History - Reproductive Freedom for All

Formerly NARAL Pro-Choice America

History

Reproductive Freedom For All, formerly NARAL Pro-Choice America, has helped lead the charge for over 50 years in the fight for abortion rights, access to birth control, parental leave policies, and pregnancy protections.

1969 NARAL Planning Meeting

1969

NARAL is established.

The National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws, NARAL, is established at the "First National Conference on Abortion Laws: Modification or Repeal" conference held in Chicago.

1972: Eisenstadt v. Baird
1973

1973

NARAL changes its name to the National Abortion Rights Action League.

The Supreme Court hands down the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, recognizing the constitutional right to privacy encompasses the right to choose abortion.

Watch: CBS News coverage of decision

1975: NARAL further engages in federal lobbying
1976
Representative Pat Schroeder addresses abortion rights rally on the Capitol steps

1976

The Hyde Amendment passes, barring federal funds from being used to pay for abortion except in case of rape or incest or to save the life of the woman.

NARAL launches a massive mailing campaign to Congress.

Watch: Video on Hyde Amendment

1977: NARAL Foundation established
1985: "Abortion Rights, Silent No More" campaign launches
1987: President Reagan's anti-choice SCOTUS nomination defeated
1989: March for Women's Lives and Mobilize for Women's Lives
NARAL Members at the March for Women's Lives

1992

In response to Planned Parenthood v. Casey, a Supreme Court decision that scaled back the constitutional protections provided by Roe v. Wade, NARAL organizes the March for Women's Lives, drawing over 750,000 people to Washington, D.C.

1993: NARAL changes its name and broadens its mission
1995: Passage of FACE Act

1999

After receiving the largest grant in its history, the NARAL Foundation launches Choice for America, a multi-year, marketing and mobilization campaign to revitalize the core principles and values underlying the reproductive freedom movement.

2000: Supreme Court strikes down Nebraska abortion ban
2003: NARAL becomes NARAL Pro-Choice America
2004: March for Women's Lives in Washington D.C
2009: President Obama repeals Global Gag Rule
2010

2010

President Obama signs the Affordable Care Act (ACA) into law. The law is a critical advancement for reproductive health care which mandates that private insurers cover co-pay free birth control, well woman visits, mammograms, breast feeding support, and maternity care as an essential benefit. People can no longer be denied health insurance coverage because of pre-existing conditions like pregnancy nor can they be charged more for health insurance.

Watch: President Obama signing the ACA

2011: State legislature begin attacking reproductive freedom
2013: NARAL launches the Men for Choice program
2015: Clinic attacks must be investigated as domestic terrorism
2016: Presidential endorsements and #AskAboutAbortion campaign
2017: Establishing roots in Georgia and launching "The People's Defense"
2018: Turning out and investing in midterm elections
2019: Reality of Roe campaign
2021: Endorsements for 2022 midterm elections

2022

The Supreme Court upholds Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, overturning Roe v. Wade and ending the constitutional right to abortion in the United States as we know it.

This decision activates millions around the country to fight back. NARAL launches the Fight Back for Freedom campaign to harness the momentum of this moment and hold anti-abortion lawmakers accountable.

2023

NARAL launches its 2023 "Freedom for Everybody" organizing and mobilization program. This program builds on the momentum of the midterms, giving voters and supporters more ways to act on their values by training them to organize in their own communities.

NARAL changes its name to Reproductive Freedom for All as it continues its commitment to equitable access to reproductive health care.

2024
Reproductive Freedom for All Michigan members with Governor Gretchen Whitmer in Lansing, Michigan for The Blue Wall Bus Tour.

2024

Reproductive Freedom for All runs its largest-ever electoral program to galvanize voters for the 2024 election.

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