June 27, 2022 3:10 a.m.

Following Friday’s U.S. Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe V. Wade, the Oregon Health Authority issued a release reminding people that abortion remains legal in the state.

The release said the Reproductive Health Equity Act was established in 2017 after the Oregon State Legislature passed House Bill 3391. The legislation contained multiple provisions to protect and expand access to the full scope of reproductive services, including abortion, for all people of Oregon.

OHA Director Patrick Allen said “The decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe vs. Wade does not change the fact that people in Oregon are guaranteed the right to receive abortion services, which remain legal in this state”. Allen said OHA will continue to implement and promote RHEA “…to ensure that people in Oregon have access to essential reproductive services, including abortion, sterilization and contraceptives, without any barriers”.

The release said this includes a legal right for anyone who comes to Oregon for an abortion, not just Oregonians. Oregon is one of 16 states and the District of Columbia that has laws that protect the right to abortion, and is just one of four states and the District of Columbia that has ensured the right to abortion without any restrictions or state interference. Oregon also is one of only seven states that funds abortion, using state general funds under the Oregon Health Plan, the state’s Medicaid program, without any restrictions.

The release said more information is available at: https://www.oregon.gov/OHA/PH/HealthyPeopleFamilies/ReproductiveSexualHealth/OregonContraceptiveCare/Pages/wheredoigo_t3.aspx