Ruth Barnett

Ruth Barnett was an abortion provider operating in Portland, Oregon from 1918 to 1968.

She was born in Hood River, Oregon She sought an abortion from Dr. George Watts, which convinced her that all women should have the opportunity to receive an abortion if they wanted one. After this incident, Barnett was in prison intermittently, continuing to perform abortions. Throughout the course of their friendship, Barnett would visit Griff, listening attentively to the stories she told about her practice. Following Barnett's divorce from Cohen, she decided to pursue a career as an abortion provider with the help of Dr. Griff.

Despite the fact that abortions had been illegal in Oregon since 1854, Additionally, the new mayor of Portland, Dorothy McCullough Lee, had promised to crack down on crime within the city.