Colonialism: 1500’s and ongoing
- Genocide of people and decimation of cultures and traditions
- Religious missionaries tried to erase traditional knowledge and healing practices
- Indigenous peoples were forced into boarding schools through efforts of forced assimilation
- Midwives, doulas, and other traditional healers were banned from practicing medicine as white men established themselves as physicians
- Governments and medical systems enacted practices of forced sterilization among anyone deemed unfit to parent. Those most commonly targeted included Indigenous and other People of Color, those with disabilities, and those with mental health issues.
- Governments, police, and child welfare programs disproportionately remove Indigenous, Black, and other Children of Color from their families, resulting in generations of trauma and separated families
The Mothers of Gynecology: Anarcha, Lucy, and Betsey were Black women enslaved near Montgomery, Alabama.
They were experimented on without their consent, and without anesthesia, by Dr. J. Marion Sims. These women’s bodies were used to advance science, and for too long, their sacrifices have gone unacknowledged. Current gynecology medical practices exist because of these women and countless others whose bodies were experimented on and used. For more information, visit this site: anarchalucybetsey.org
Indian Citizenship Act passed, granting full birthright citizenship to all Native Americans, in addition to their tribal affiliation
The National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws (NARAL) was established
Montana Constitution is rewritten, making it the 3rd most recent constitution in the United States.
Created in a bipartisan manner through the Montana Constitutional Convention. Establishes strong right to privacy which sets the framework for protecting many rights in Montana, including the right to access abortion and gender affirming care.
NARAL changes its name to the National Abortion Rights Action League
Roe v Wade decision – allows for federally legal abortion care up to viability
Blue Mountain Women’s Clinic opens as Montana’s first abortion provider
Montanans for Choice is founded to advocate for the right to abortion in Montana.
Montanans for Choice Take Action is founded
James Armstrong, MD, Susan Cahill, PA, Mindy Opper, PA, and Blue Mountain Clinic sue the state of Montana to allow patients to access abortion care from the provider of their choosing.
Jeannette R. v Ellery decision by the MT Supreme Court finds that Montana Medicaid must include coverage for abortion care
Montanans for Choice became a state affiliate of the National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL) and changed the name to NARAL Pro-Choice Montana Foundation.
Armstrong v. State of Montana
Determined that the State of Montana may not infringe on a persons’ right to privacy by prohibiting physicians from performing abortions
Armstrong v State decision by the MT Supreme Court affirms the right to access pre-viability abortion care due to the right to privacy in the Montana Constitution.
The decision further allowed Physician Assistants, in addition to Physicians, to provide abortion care.
National NARAL becomes NARAL Pro-Choice America
Anti-abortion efforts to put a ‘personhood’ amendment on the MT ballot fails to collect enough signatures
Helem Weems, FNP, opens All Families Healthcare in Whitefish, MT
NARAL Pro-Choice America chooses to eliminate its affiliate structure – no longer investing in state-based work through their affiliate structure
US Supreme Court overturns Roe v Wade, and almost 50 years of legal precedence, allowing states the right to determine abortion regulation (Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health)
Montana Supreme Court unanimously decides to allow abortion provision by nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives, becoming the 19th state to do so (Weems v State)
Montana’s No on LR 131 campaign defeats anti-abortion ‘born alive’ bill
Weems v. State of Montana
Reaffirmed abortion access and stopped the Legislature from forbidding advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) from providing abortion care which would have potentially limited access to care.
Montana Sexual & Reproductive Health Collective is formed
Legislative session passes 9 anti-abortion bills
All Families Healthcare and Blue Mountain Clinic join a federal lawsuit filed in the Fourth Circuit to protect access to mifepristone
Planned Parenthood v. State
Struck down the parental consent for abortion legislation from the 2013 Legislative Session
All Families Healthcare v. Montana
Blocked a series of clinic licensure regulations (also known as TRAP laws) that seek to impose unjustified requirements on Montana’s abortion providers – with the goal of shutting down the clinics. This law is not allowed to go into effect while the lawsuit plays out.
Montana Supreme Court hears case challenging parental notification requirement for anyone under age 16 seeking abortion care in Montana.
Planned Parenthood of Montana v. State
A state district court judge ruled abortion restrictions passed in 2021 were unconstitutional. The laws restricted telemedicine abortion and procedures after 20 weeks, and required unnecessary ultrasounds to be offered.
Planned Parenthood of Montana v. State
All Families Healthcare, Blue Mountain Clinic v. State
Planned Parenthood v. State
District Court found unconstitutional HB 575 which would have required an ultrasound and HB 721 which would have prohibited procedural abortion after 15 weeks by criminalizing the safest and most common procedure for this type of care, dilation and evacuation (D&E).
Planned Parenthood v. State
As we celebrate our organization’s 40th year of working on behalf of Montanans, we acknowledge the many advocates, healthcare providers, abortion seekers, doulas and midwives, transgender and Two Spirit individuals, parents, teachers, elected representatives, and many, many others who have come before us in this work.