---
title: "Abortion History among Hawaiʻi's Indigenous People"
date: 2026-04-30T12:36:00-04:00
author: Jonese Austin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/abortion-history-hawaiis-indigenous-people"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Abortion History among Hawaiʻi's Indigenous People

In 1970, Hawaiʻi was the first state in the US to legalize abortion. That action enshrined a right that Native Hawaiians had recognized for centuries. In this article, Native Hawaiian health scholar Kealoha Fox, PhD and Native Hawaiian OB-GYN Reni Soon MD, MPH discuss perspectives on abortion.

Through her research in the archives and conversations with traditional healers, Dr. Fox has uncovered a long history of Hawaiian beliefs and customs around abortion. She even found that Hawaiians had their own traditional form of medication abortion. She hopes that this history will empower people to continue to advocate for abortion today.

Dr. Soon brings her perspective as an OB-GYN working for one of the largest reproductive health services providers in Hawaiʻi. She notes that the overturning of Roe v. Wade could contribute to the stigma around abortion. Dr. Soon highlights that abortion is a part of reproductive health care and, as such, deserves protection.

> I literally found pieces of evidence to support abortion care being a fundamental part of our maoli ola, our health care, in our history. We have words for abortion such as ʻōmilo or milo or milomilo. We had medical abortions where certain types of lāʻau were known to be used.

[Read the full article ](https://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/local-news/2022-06-29/native-hawaiian-traditions-and-perspectives-on-abortion-centers-health-care-womens-rights)

SOURCE: Hawaiʻi Public Radio • AUTHOR: Kuʻuwehi Hiraishi • LAST UPDATED: June 29, 2022

![A grass hut with a Hawaiian family out front](data:image/png;base64,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) 

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ abortion](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/abortion)
- [ history & politics of abortion](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/history-politics-of-abortion)
- [women's health history](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/womens-health-history)
- [abortion restrictions](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/abortion-restrictions)
- [Native peoples](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/native-peoples)
- [reproductive justice](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/reproductive-justice)
- [culture](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/culture)
- [shame](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/shame)
- [activism](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/activism)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

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[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[ResourcesRead

## The History of Abortion Law in the United States

Abortions occur whether they are legal or not, but the right to abortion has been both supported and contested over time. This essay traces key state and federal laws and Supreme Court rulings and their effects throughout U.S. history.

![People standing at a protest on the Minnesota Capitol protesting for abortion access](data:image/png;base64,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)

Abortions occur whether they are legal or not, but the right to abortion has been both supported and contested over time. This essay traces key state and federal laws and Supreme Court rulings and their effects throughout U.S. history.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/u-s-abortion-history)

[ResourcesRead

## Abortion Laws by State: Interactive Map

This interactive map tracks abortion bans, restrictions, and protections, updated in real time.

![maps-g5746cabe4_1280](data:image/png;base64,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)

This interactive map tracks abortion bans, restrictions, and protections, updated in real time.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/abortion-laws-interactive-state-map)

[ResourcesWatch

## Abortion and Women's Rights in 1970: A Film

In 1971, when abortion was illegal in all but a few states, a group of women came together to make a documentary film. The film they made was the first from the perspective of women who had had or sought an abortion.

![Abortion film](data:image/png;base64,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)

In 1971, when abortion was illegal in all but a few states, a group of women came together to make a documentary film. The film they made was the first from the perspective of women who had had or sought an abortion.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/abortion-and-womens-rights-in-1970-a-film)

[ResourcesRead

## State-by-State Laws and Policies on Abortion and Contraception

These regularly updated fact sheets outline state-level restrictions and legal requirements around abortion and contraception in the United States.

![lady-justice-g9888ec9c1_1920](data:image/png;base64,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)

These regularly updated fact sheets outline state-level restrictions and legal requirements around abortion and contraception in the United States.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/overview-of-state-by-state-abortion-laws-in-the-united-states)

[ResourcesRead

## Dirty Red: How Periods Have Been Stigmatized through History

Menstruation has a very long history of stigma, which continues into the present.

![Kotex Wonderform Belt in a purple cardboard box with a cut-out window displaying a white belt against a gold background.](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAE60lEQVRIiW1W0XLkNg5sNEjZcVJ3D7n//8Bc5WFv1x6JBND3QM6MnV0Vh9KUpG6gAQEwSfh6CMhCJjJQqaqqLKmeTxrMzIwkjaSbEUaY3Xd7ohE/Hfp0EiBJ2L91QOvuvtL6q58QAADtZ4L96l4llWrtEmCADGYkDEABNEjEg8Zg+/wrAgESaq2qyqpcp1JtO83MrCRSsru5BnIBF0DY/cYvCEpQLfSsjMysXAQlCQaDGY2knCaXS3BCMDeABARhR+JXBIUsVWbmjIyMrIjKKhW0PICRJFmku9SEAhyA7R3G7dcXgsJSBpWRGRERc2ZERlRkVepOQJJOurM1r3I1SY4VCjcYARH22YOlXhayFvqMGDHnWhWxVHoSNHd3VlPrQjkK6AJkIhxGq68e1FpVlZkZESPmmGPMMWKOnFGZqgJkZsv81ptXV2VppYXcBNMSx8inB7XVV1VkzogZMee85rjGdcUYMWZlqFISaaR798ze8ihlR8EECIb7ksHNrD3St4CqzK3+Mv8a4xznOa8rxpURlQmIZnR67+3oVSEkUDLABBq4OQwyY3uiY+V7RM6MGdv82zhv4zzndeaclQHJaN689Z75IqWW+atO0IzrQ4HBSbXaEd7ouQMw5xxznuM6r/Nj3D7G7YxxVU5IpHlr7eU4akoJqw3tNHLtKLihoLYqwt38xTEzt0Tzuo3z4/x4H7ePuG41J1Tm1nrv+SKFUOYwJ51szkYGjbY+ZgPbir6U0kKP2jl6xbiWB9ftx3j/Mc+PnANKku3lqHwV0ig2enNv7r15eHmrIpNlRqgJKaiUXzyImXPOec3rNs/buL1f79/H7UeNUwp3ZrxKvxvlTu8tjtaiZ/TM7jUrvZgoA9SEkqQqLYJVeTIiRs4RK8639+vj+/j4ltcHanr3yjez9GZ+9DaOnC8ZI/OonJVdFVW0MkFNSkmqVOWmyVUbIuaIecU45/kxb9/H+7c8/wcN700abPCj99fXjNeMkTkrozKroqpxQQFt18hV9BdN3oMRkTFjXDHOeX3E7Vucf6NuOl7MK156zreMK2NWTmUoUxUPQ1UE0FCFJdHmqKpUpjIroyIqZs4rxy2uH3n+F/oL+NPHUfFH5aicC7SeGtSDwwDuLli1lu57fQ5JRMWsOGv+VQHF31WnKlSxEVUoPdvfui5JdfdAwsMJadeu0t2i+4XwqZ8/eyB03/X4rgSWygjV+s52q3zsX/q7ATRrxj+MMP+X8TBzM5px14WfuvkaFNoD7h/o2HXXDDSjsZu/sv3H7I3tD7Y3toPe1+hiZo8y+qWzQ+0L+n3Zo71jzT+Nfnh/g/5t9sbj1fvvbK/0Tjbj3RUYYKaHH4AWQck2rnbDEOxpu5t3toP9DZAx2nF4f/P24tsJ337cJy57OCG0B/pzsFmjG8zMaE42evf2Uv03I8jyo/vxm/dXtk5vdyfMNodBthWWmt1TYOsOmWwPP6CRpLs3tsP7qxGk/GjeX729uB/une7cKj2j/Ui29ll3E7DQl5pmXBKxeTuqTyPo8t68vbB1fkGnLbcfo6kA/XMu2ilpe8ClGUmnr4p8lIEutrZTyJuxGVej2fo80bEIVkjvATA88mfNcNzW0c0breigO9lWbI37AdzNX7n3MLl9moX1yYf9mOEebKORgBtldCONq0/aVsb2C1/kMPwfjFk3SrBA+oAAAAAASUVORK5CYII=)

Menstruation has a very long history of stigma, which continues into the present.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/dirty-red-how-periods-have-been-stigmatized)

[ResourcesListen

## Love and Labor: The History of African American Birth Care Providers

This podcast episode from Sexing History explores the history of advocacy of Black doulas, midwives, and other birth attendants.

![all-my-babiesa-midwifes-own-story-a9802b-1024](data:image/png;base64,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)

This podcast episode from Sexing History explores the history of advocacy of Black doulas, midwives, and other birth attendants.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/love-and-labor-the-history-of-african-american-birth-care-providers)

[ResourcesRead

## Abortion Decriminalization and the Struggle against Policing and Criminalization

This policy brief examines the state surveillance of abortion access and the growing criminalization of pregnant people, parents, and providers.

![Pexels servet photograph 11164911 scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

This policy brief examines the state surveillance of abortion access and the growing criminalization of pregnant people, parents, and providers.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/abortion-decriminalization-and-the-struggle-against-policing-and-criminalization)

[Where We StandRead

## Why Reproductive Justice Is Central to Our Perspective

Reproductive Justice is the right to maintain personal bodily autonomy. It is the right to have children, to not have children, and to parent the children we have in safe and sustainable communities.

![A Black woman wearing a shirt that reads "Bans Off Our Bodies" speaks at a podium.](data:image/png;base64,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)

Reproductive Justice is the right to maintain personal bodily autonomy. It is the right to have children, to not have children, and to parent the children we have in safe and sustainable communities.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/where-we-stand/where-we-stand-reproductive-justice)