Women’s Foundation of Montana donors, grantees, and partners have been reaching out to me over the past few weeks to express their fear and anger about the leaked U.S. Supreme Court draft decision that would overturn Roe v. Wade.

Those reaching out to me have bravely shared their personal experiences with abortion. I’ve witnessed lifelong friends have their first conversation about their support for women’s holistic medical care, including abortion. Young women have articulated their anger about a future where their mental health, their physical health, and ultimately their lives are not prioritized.

It has been humbling and emotional. It has made clear the important, urgent work ahead of us.

Sexual and reproductive health and rights, including the right to access medical care that includes abortion, are foundational to women’s well-being, equality, and empowerment. Research clearly links full access to reproductive health resources to economic security. Key to the Women’s Foundation of Montana’s mission of advancing economic independence for women in Montana is ensuring our right to make decisions about our own health care, including when to become a parent.

We must support organizations working to preserve abortion access as an essential component of women’s health care. The Women’s Foundation of Montana affirms our support for leaders in this work and all they are doing to ensure everyone can make decisions concerning their health with privacy, dignity, respect, and support.

 Thank you for being a partner in this work. Together, we are stronger.