Look Beyond the Bill Name
The MMA stands in firm opposition to the criminalization of medicine in Montana. LR-131 is government interference in the physician-patient relationship and poses extreme felony criminal penalties on physicians and providers, including a $50,000 fine and up to 20 years in prison. That’s why the MMA asks you to vote no on LR-131 to stand against government intrusion in the practice of medicine in Montana.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the MMA oppose LR-131?
The MMA Board of Trustees passed a motion during the 2022 BOT Annual Meeting to oppose ballot measure LR-131, standing in firm opposition to the measure’s criminalization of the practice of medicine, and the measure's impacts on all providers, including felony charges. The measure would criminalize providing comfort and supportive care by forcing clinicians to provide resuscitative efforts to any infant born with a heartbeat, breathing, or movement, regardless of gestational age or medical conditions. Palliative care would no longer be an option in cases of lethal fetal birth defects or pre-viable preterm birth, a government intrusion into the physician-patient relationship.
The MMA stands firmly against the criminalization of medicine. Providers who withhold aggressive resuscitative care in these complex cases would face felony charges, including a $50,000 fine and up to 20 years in prison.
Does the MMA take a position on abortion?
No, the MMA membership represents physicians across Montana with a broad range of views and has not taken a position on abortion.
LR-131 is government interference in the patient-physician relationship and poses extreme criminal penalties, including a $50,000 fine and up to 20 years in prison, on Montana providers.
What is the MMA’s position on the criminalization of medicine?
The MMA firmly stands against the criminalization of medicine. The MMA Board of Trustees adopted a position statement on the criminalization of medicine on February 23, 2019, due to an increasing volume of legislation that has the tendency to infringe on the practice of medicine. Per the MMA’s position, the MMA will oppose or engage to modify legislation that has the potential to criminalize the standard or prudent practice of medicine.
How did the MMA decide to oppose LR-131?
The MMA Board of Trustees passed a motion during the 2022 BOT Annual Meeting on September 17 to oppose ballot measure LR-131, standing in firm opposition to the criminalization of medicine and the measure's impacts on all providers, including felony charges.
How do I get involved?
Physicians are already speaking out against LR-131. Montana pediatricians and OBGYNs have crafted a letter addressed to Montana voters, open to physicians across all medical specialties to sign and support. View the letter and list of over 750 signees here.
Or, learn more at the No on LR-131 campaign created and led by Compassion for Montana Families, a group representing organizations, community members, activists, and healthcare providers across Montana.
Why Montana Physicians Ask You To Vote No On LR-131
Brad Holbrook, M.D., OB/GYN
Webinar Recording: Learn Why the MMA Asks You to Vote No On LR-131
The Montana Medical Association hosted an informational webinar and Q&A session on October 13, 2022, on ballot measure LR-131.
Press Event: Montana Health Care Leaders Ask Montana Voters to Vote No on LR-131
Partners in opposition to LR-131
Thank you to the following partner organizations for supporting our efforts in opposition to LR-131:
Join the MMA Today to Support Our Efforts!
The MMA is standing firm for Montana physicians, serving our members as an advocate for the medical profession, quality patient care, and the health of all Montana citizens.
Your membership makes a difference in strengthening the physician’s voice and supporting the advancement of Association initiatives that impact and improve patient care and the practice of medicine in Montana.