What’s in a name change for Montana’s leading abortion access group?
In its August email, MAAP reaffirmed its committment to “gender inclusive” language and said it is “excited to have a name that makes finding us and understanding what we do easier and fully aligns with our vision.”
“Transgender men, two-spirit people, non-binary people, gender non-conforming folks, and cisgender women all need abortion care. By using gender-inclusive language, we are not erasing the individual struggles each of these groups have faced. Instead, we acknowledge that these struggles for bodily autonomy and agency over our specific healthcare needs are inexorably linked,” MAAP wrote.
Discussion of the name change prompted a wide range of reactions on social media. Some commenters said Wicklund’s committment to elevating “women” above other identities and distancing herself from MAAP over the disagreement, amounted to transphobia. Others said they appreciated reading Wicklund’s email and sang her praises.
Many corners of the peanut gallery, however, seemed to arrive at similar conclusions: a hope that MAAP’s new name, regardless of how it came about, will help the organization reach anyone who might need help accessing abortion in Montana.
“Very obvious what you do in the name change which should help,” one commenter said in response to MAAP’s announcement on Instagram. “Congrats!”
“Congrats!!!” said All Families Healthcare, an abortion clinic in Whitefish. “And as always thanks for all that you do!!”