Women's Right to Privacy

Posted Jun 14, 2010

Montanans’ fervent defense of their right to privacy, a fundamental human right that is strongly protected in our state’s Constitution, is something that sets us apart from other states. Like our vast geography, stunning landscapes, and independent way of life, this right defines us and makes us proud. For example, I applaud the Missoula City Council for the recent passage of its non-discrimination ordinance and I hope that other Montana cities will follow suit.
However, there are some in this state who believe that the government should interfere with the private lives of its citizens, such as preventing a woman’s right to make private medical decisions. I disagree. I understand that abortion is an emotional and contentious issue and it is not a decision that any woman can take lightly. But I strongly believe that women should be trusted to make these decisions free from government intrusion. As the father of two grown daughters, I cannot imagine government denying them their right to self-determination.
I am told that extremists from out of state have been harassing women at health clinics around Montana. Recently in Billings, protestors were seen surrounding women in their cars as they tried to access a clinic. This is very disturbing to me and should be so to all Montanans. 
As a community of people who value strong, stable families, it seems to me we should be working together to assure that Montana kids receive evidence-based, age-appropriate sexuality education in public schools. As well, we should be working together to assure better access to contraception as a way to reduce the number of abortions in the state. These are cost-effective, constructive approaches to this difficult issue that will achieve more positive results than paternalistic government intrusion or the cowardly harassment of women.

Back to News