We use the law to advance
gender equity in the Northwest.

Our Story

In 1978, our founders envisioned a world free from gender discrimination. Our first case, Blair v. Washington State University, guaranteed equal access to school sports facilities and programs in Washington state. It also set a national precedent. Since then, we’ve made progress in every area of the law related to gender liberation.

Originally called the Northwest Women’s Law Center, we changed our name to Legal Voice in 2009. Our name reflects the fact that we’re not a single-issue organization. As intersectional feminists, we work to advance gender, racial, and economic justice.

Planned Parenthood's Amy Luftig and Northwest Women's Law Center's Nancy Sapiro

Our Story

In 1978, our founders envisioned a world free from gender discrimination. Our first case, Blair v. Washington State University, guaranteed equal access to school sports facilities and programs in Washington state. It also set a national precedent. Since then, we’ve made progress in every area of the law related to gender liberation.

Planned Parenthood's Amy Luftig and Northwest Women's Law Center's Nancy Sapiro

What We Do

Litigation

We choose cases that have the potential to change the law or the way it's interpreted.

Policy Advocacy

We advocate for bills that advance equity — and fight those that try to roll back progress.

Community Education

We host know-your-rights events and maintain a free, online resource library.

Collaboration is central to all of our work.

We’re not interested in the spotlight — we’re interested in meaningful change. And meaningful change is a product of collaboration. We learn from our clients, allies, partners, and community members about practices and laws that stand in the way of equality. Together, we analyze the issues and decide the best path forward.

News

Rally for abortion rights in US Capitol
Feb 10 2026

Court Signals Constitution May Protect Medically Necessary Abortions, Even After Dobbs

There’s a common misconception about the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs. Many people assume it struck down all constitutional protections...
pride flag
Jan 29 2026

How to Respond to the Latest Threat to 2SLGBTQ+ Rights in Idaho

On January 28, Representative Bruce Skaug introduced HB 557, a dangerous bill that would enable statewide discrimination...
Serious, black and white photo of pregnant woman lying down.
Jul 28 2025

We’re Fighting the Latest Attack on Maternal Health in Idaho

The U.S. is facing a maternal mortality crisis — and the situation in Idaho is especially dire. One way address the problem is to guarantee health...
Illustration of sperm and egg on black background
Jul 28 2025

Fetal Personhood Creep: What It Is, How It Works, and Why It Matters

In a new article published by the University of Iowa, Legal Voice staff reveal the process behind a quiet — and effective — strategy used by...
Jul 03 2025

Supreme Court to Hear Case Challenging Idaho Ban on Transgender Student-Athletes 

We have big news: The U.S. Supreme Court has decided to hear our challenge to HB 500, an Idaho law that bars transgender women and girls from...
Jun 09 2025

Montana Supreme Court Blocks Three Anti-Abortion Laws

Planned Parenthood of Montana and Dr. Samuel Dickman have won their challenge to three anti-abortion laws passed in 2021.

May 19 2025

Case Update: Anti-Trans Bathroom Ban Paused

On May 16, 2025, a Montana court paused one of the most extreme anti-trans bathroom bans in the country in response to our lawsuit. Because of this...
Mar 27 2025

We’re Suing to Block an Anti-Trans Bathroom Bill in Montana

In partnership with the ACLU of Montana and the ACLU, we filed a lawsuit to block HB 121, one of the broadest anti-transgender “bathroom bills” in...
Feb 10 2025

Continuing Our Challenge to a Deceptive “Parents’ Rights” Law

On Feb. 10, we filed an appeal that continues our challenge to Initiative 2081. The initiative is part of a nationwide attack on LGBTQ+ youth,...
Dec 06 2024

Idaho Abortion Travel Ban Partially Blocked

On Dec. 2, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals partially upheld a block on Idaho’s abortion travel ban, the first law of its kind in the country. The...