Oregon is one of the most liberal states in the nation for its permissive abortion laws. Starting in 1969 when it legalized abortion in certain circumstances such as life endangerment, the state has been considered a beacon for pro-choice activists and lawmakers throughout the country.
Oregon’s permissive abortion laws have caused concerns among pro-life groups.
Here are some quotes from discussions about abortion.
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“Our policies are borne out of Oregon exceptionalism. We are progressive and libertarian. Voters on the east side of the Cascades may or may not agree with a woman’s right to access abortion, but they sure as heck agree that the government has no place in that decision.”
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Michele Stranger Hunter, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon, according to Portland Monthly
“Oregon has worked hard to put all three systems – real sex ed, publically funded family planning, and abortion – in place that provide a foundation for reproductive health.”
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Elizabeth Nash, who is with the pro-choice Guttmacher Institute, according to Portland Monthly
“Oregon has a dismal record on life, failing to protect women, the unborn, the sick, and the dying. For example, Oregon does not mandate informed consent or parental involvement before abortion, does not recognize an unborn child as a potential victim of homicide or assault, and does not limit destructive embryo research or human cloning.”
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Americans United for Life
These concerns have stretched over to Oregon lawmakers. A proposed bill in 2015 that would have required health insurance plans to include a wide range of services for women’s health at low cost was abandoned because of the inclusion of
abortion in the bill, RH Reality Check reported.
“Senators didn’t want to be asked to vote on abortion and have that on their record. They find it a difficult issue to go public on.”
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Aimee Santos-Lyons, director of programs for Western States Center, which supported the bill, according to RH Reality Check
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