Our History

Championing Reproductive Rights Since 1966

• 1966

  Founding

  Betty Benjamin and others establishes the Minnesota Abortion Rights Council during a time when abortion was illegal in the U.S. This organization later became NARAL Minnesota, and today, Pro-Choice Minnesota.

• 1970s

  Post-Roe Mobilization

  Following Roe v. Wade (1973), played a vital role in advocating for abortion access and became the Minnesota state chapter of the National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL).

• 1984

  Foundation Launch

  NARAL Pro-Choice Minnesota Foundation receives 501(c)(3) status, focusing on education, research, and public awareness (EIN: 36-3283998).

• 1990

  Hodgson v. Minnesota

  Helped drive this key U.S. Supreme Court case, which ultimately shaped the law around parental notification for minors seeking abortion care.

• 1995

  Doe v. Gomez

  Contributed to the Minnesota Supreme Court ruling guaranteeing abortion rights and Medicaid coverage for abortion care.

• October 2022

  Independent Advocacy

  Officially became Pro-Choice Minnesota after disaffiliating from NARAL to deepen state-focused advocacy.

• June 2022 – Jan 2023

  Post-Roe Victory

  Following Roe's overturn, intensified advocacy led to passing the PRO Act in January 2023, codifying reproductive freedom in Minnesota state law.

• 2024 – Ongoing

  The Fight Continues

  Pro-Choice Minnesota leads with:

  • Strategic policy work
  • Comprehensive education
  • Grassroots organizing