Supreme Court declines to revive Montana law that would require parental consent for minors to obtain abortions

The Supreme Court turned away an appeal by Montana officials seeking to revive a state law that requires minors seeking abortions to obtain the consent of their parents.

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Thursday turned away an appeal brought by Montana officials seeking to revive a state law that requires minors seeking abortions to obtain the consent of their parents.

The state argued that the measure, which was enacted in 2013 but never went into effect because of litigation, should be upheld based on the right of parents to decide on health care decisions involving their children.

The Montana Supreme Court struck down the law last year, saying it violated the state constitution, including a provision that protects the rights of minors.

Conservative Justice Samuel Alito wrote a statement agreeing with the decision not to hear the case, saying it was a “poor vehicle” but expressing some support for the underlying legal arguments.

His statement was joined by fellow conservative Justice Clarence Thomas.