The U.S. Senate's June 4 vote on the Birth Control Rights Act has brought the reproductive rights of Montanans into focus. As we reflect on this pivotal moment, the implications for our state's reproductive freedoms couldn't be more serious. This isn't just a health care issue—it's about preserving basic personal freedoms for all Montanans.

The Right to Contraception Act, which would protect the availability of birth control pills, IUDs, emergency contraception and other contraceptive options, comes at a crucial time. Our own Senator Steve Daines has refused to support the bill, showing how out of step he is with the overwhelming majority of Americans who believe that the right to decide whether, when and how to have children is a private matter and should be protected from political interference.

Yet across the country, extremist forces are working tirelessly to reverse decades of progress in reproductive health, an effort evident in the relentless legislative attacks on contraception that followed the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022.

Justice Clarence Thomas joined the Dobbs case, calling for a “reconsideration” of the Griswold v. Connecticut decision, which recognized the right to contraception nearly 60 years ago. This threat to our liberties is not abstract – it is happening now, and it is happening here.

This issue is very important to Montanans. On June 4, supporters of the Right to Contraception Act gathered at Senators Tester and Daines' offices in Helena to deliver a petition signed by more than 1,800 Montanans in support of the bill. This event, which included a honk and wave rally, emphasized the importance of voting to protect reproductive rights. The Right to Contraception Act is a necessary protection to ensure that all Montanans can make informed decisions about their reproductive health without fear of political interference.

In Montana, we see both support and opposition to these vital rights. Senator Jon Tester co-sponsored the Right to Contraception Act and voted for it, recognizing its importance to the health and autonomy of Montanans. Daines, meanwhile, has joined the opposition, reflecting a broader national trend of Republicans resisting contraception protections.

Montanans across the political spectrum agree that the right to decide if, when and how to have children is a private matter that should be free from political interference. More than 80% of the population, including significant majorities of Republicans, Democrats and Independents, support protecting contraception. This overwhelming support reflects a fundamental consensus: contraception is a basic health right that must be protected. This consensus is not limited to any particular demographic—it spans age, race, gender and political affiliation. Protecting the right to contraception is not just a health issue; it is a fundamental aspect of personal freedom and privacy.

Montanans understand the importance of contraception not only for preventing pregnancy but also for treating a range of health problems. Nearly 60% of women use contraception for reasons other than preventing pregnancy, such as treating endometriosis, relieving menstrual cramps and reducing the risk of certain cancers. For many, contraception is a cornerstone of personal health and autonomy.

The economic impact of contraception is equally significant. It enables people to plan their families, careers and futures, thereby contributing to greater economic stability and growth. Women in particular benefit from being able to continue their education and careers without the interruption of unwanted pregnancies.

Despite these clear benefits, Republican lawmakers like Daines and right-wing groups continue to oppose contraception. We've seen them make false claims that IUDs and emergency contraception cause abortions in an effort to restrict all forms of reproductive health care.

What they fail to realize is that the public in Montana is watching and will not tolerate any attempts to undermine our reproductive freedoms. As we reflect on the recent vote, we must hold our politicians accountable.

The future of contraception in Montana – and across the country – depends on our unwavering resolve to move forward and protect and advance the freedoms that define our society. The fight for the right to contraception is far from over.

This column was written and submitted by the following people:
Deborah Agnew, MD
Kathryn Lysinger, MD, Billings
Brooke Cadwell, CNM, APRN, PMHNP, Bozeman
Michael Caracciolo, Bozeman
Betsy Danforth, Bozeman
Stephanie McDowell, Executive Director, Bridgercare, Bozeman
Cara Wilder, Bozeman
Andrea Hoolan Wolfe, Bozeman
Erin Green, DO, FAAP, Helena
Christine Kaufmann, Helena
Pat Kemp, Helena
Anna Nix, BSW, JD, Helena
Marjorie Albers, MD, Miles City
Tondy Baumgartner, MD, Missoula
Jennifer Mayo, MD, Missoula
Katy Meinbresse, FNP, Missoula
Trent Taylor, MD, Missoula
Lauren Wilson, MD, FAAP, Missoula