With the 6-3 ruling on , the highest court in the nation determined that a person鈥檚 right to have an abortion is up to the states, and therefore not protected nationally.
Oregon, which has the fewest abortion restrictions in the country, . However, it could see an increase in abortions sought by non-residents, such as those who come into Oregon from the Idaho border.
New abortion legislation in Idaho , as the Supreme Court鈥檚 decision triggered it. The law will make it a felony to perform an abortion, or attempt to perform one, in that state. Idaho will only allow abortions if a pregnant person鈥檚 life needs saving or the pregnancy was from rape or incest, and then only if the person previously reported the rape or incest to law enforcement and can provide a report from a doctor.
The Supreme Court ruling spurred immediate reaction from Oregonians, including several who currently hold or are seeking elected office.
Oregon鈥檚 U.S. senators, both Democrats, tweeted their disagreement over the Dobbs v. Jackson Women鈥檚 Health decision. Sen. Ron Wyden called the justices who ruled in the majority 鈥渞adical,鈥� while Sen. Jeff Merkley labeled them 鈥渆xtremist.鈥� In a recent poll,
This is a heartbreaking day for America. Today鈥檚 radical decision to overturn Roe v. Wade tosses out a half century of legal precedent, curtails the fundamental rights of women, and jeopardizes the health and safety of millions of people across the country.
— Ron Wyden (@RonWyden)
Six justices destroyed people's right to make their own health care decisions. It鈥檚 disturbing, putting an overbearing government in the exam room. This attack on our freedom is a special delivery from extremist justices and the MAGA politicians and pundits cheering them on.
— Senator Jeff Merkley (@SenJeffMerkley)
U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, the only woman who represents Oregon in Congress, wrote the decision is 鈥渋nfuriating, heartbreaking, and dangerous.鈥�
The Supreme Court鈥檚 decision to overturn abortion rights is infuriating, heartbreaking, and dangerous.
— Suzanne Bonamici (@RepBonamici)
U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz, the only Republican who represents Oregon in Congress, wrote of the ruling that it was
Democratic Congressional candidates commented on the decision, while using it as an opportunity to fundraise. Jaime McLeod-Skinner, who unseated longtime U.S. Rep. Kurt Schrader, warned 鈥渓ow-income, rural, women of color, and LGBTQ+ Americans will face the worst consequences of this decision,鈥� and urged people to support her so she could fight to codify access to abortion care into federal law.
Democratic state Rep. Andrea Salinas, who is running for the state鈥檚 newly created 6th Congressional District, said the decision 鈥渨ill not result in fewer abortions,鈥� instead it will just mean 鈥渁ccess to a safe, legal abortion will disappear in far too many places.鈥�
House Speaker Dan Rayfield made it clear Democratic lawmakers in Oregon will be working to further improve abortion access in the state in upcoming legislative sessions. Rayfield, D-Corvallis, said it was an 鈥渋ncredibly dark day in American history.鈥� The decision, he said, 鈥渨ill harm millions of people, most specifically people of color and low-income individuals, and worsen existing inequality.鈥�
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown said in a statement, 鈥淎bortion is health care, and no matter who you are or where you come from, Oregon doesn鈥檛 turn away anyone seeking health care. Period. Let me be clear: You cannot ban abortion, you can only ban safe abortions 鈥� and this disgraceful Supreme Court decision will undoubtedly put many people鈥檚 lives at risk, in addition to stripping away a constitutional right that disproportionately affects women and has been settled law for most of our lifetimes.鈥�
In 2017, Brown signed a law codifying reproductive health services and the right to an abortion into state law. This year, the state Legislature approved $15 million to be spent on helping community-based organizations expand access to abortion across the state.
In a joint statement issued Friday, Brown and the Democratic governors of California and Washington announced a to strengthen legal protections for abortion providers and patients who travel to the West Coast from states where the practice is banned.
Three major candidates are running for Oregon governor, all of whom are women: Democratic nominee Tina Kotek, Republican nominee Christine Drazan and unaffiliated candidate Betsy Johnson. Each took to Twitter to release reaction statements.
I鈥檓 furious about what the conservative justices have done. Abortion is health care, I will keep fighting to ensure that it鈥檚 protected.
— Tina Kotek (@TinaKotek)
But, Oregonians, please know this: abortion access is protected here. I made sure of that. Now, let鈥檚 make sure that that doesn鈥檛 change.
Life wins! My statement regarding today鈥檚 historic ruling at the U.S Supreme Court:
— Christine Drazan (@ChristineDrazan)
I am pro-choice. This is a bedrock issue for me, and frankly, for Oregon. A fundamental right. As Oregon鈥檚 independent governor, I will always defend and protect a woman鈥檚 right to choose.
— Betsy Johnson (@senbetsyjohnson)
OPB reporters Amelia Templeton and Lauren Dake contributed to this story.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
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