Opposition to SB154- Bodily Autonomy -Montana Legislature 2025

This is part of a seriese of documents that I am sharing publically after submitting emails, letters etc. to the Montana Legislature or representatives.

Opposition to SB154: Protecting Bodily Autonomy and Individual Rights

To the Members of the Montana Legislature,

I write in opposition to Senate Bill 154, which seeks to expand restrictions on the sale or purchase of human bodies and body parts beyond existing prohibitions under the Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Act. While I recognize the importance of ethical considerations in matters of organ and tissue donation, this bill overreaches by infringing upon the fundamental principle that individuals retain sovereignty over their own bodies, both in life and in death.

The United States Constitution protects individual liberty through the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, which has been consistently interpreted to affirm the right to bodily autonomy. The right to make decisions regarding one's own body—including in matters of medical treatment, organ donation, and bodily disposition—has long been recognized as a core aspect of personal liberty. SB154 seeks to impose government control over a deeply personal decision, contradicting these established constitutional protections.

Furthermore, Montana voters have recently affirmed the principle of bodily autonomy, particularly regarding women's rights and personal medical choices. The passage of measures affirming bodily autonomy underscores the state's commitment to ensuring individuals retain control over decisions affecting their bodies. SB154 disregards this precedent by expanding state control over private choices regarding anatomical gifts, research, and posthumous bodily use.

Current law already prohibits unethical practices such as trafficking in human organs and coercive sales, ensuring that medical and scientific advancements occur within ethical boundaries. SB154 goes beyond necessary safeguards, imposing unnecessary and restrictive limitations on personal choice. These measures may have unintended consequences, such as limiting options for individuals who wish to donate their bodies for legitimate research or educational purposes, potentially hindering medical advancements and the training of healthcare professionals.

Montana prides itself on its strong tradition of individual rights and limited government interference in personal matters. SB154 represents an overstep that disregards constitutional liberties, voter intent, and the deeply personal nature of decisions about one's own body. I urge you to reject this bill and uphold the fundamental right of Montanans to determine what happens to their bodies, both in life and beyond.