The bill establishes the criminal offense of "abortion trafficking," making it illegal for a person to transport or assist in the transportation of an unborn child within or outside of Montana for the purpose of obtaining an abortion that is illegal in the state. A person found guilty of this offense may face a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. The bill also amends existing law regarding penalties related to abortion, specifically stating that a penalty may now be imposed against the mother of an unborn child for violations of the new abortion trafficking provision.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for its immediate effect upon passage and specifies that it applies to acts committed on or after the effective date. The new section on abortion trafficking is intended to be integrated into the existing legal framework of Title 50, chapter 20, part 1 of Montana law. The amendments clarify the legal consequences for individuals involved in the transportation of unborn children for illegal abortions, while also modifying the previous stipulation that no penalties could be imposed on the woman undergoing the abortion.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 50-20-112