On the same day that the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in a court case aimed at limiting access to abortion medication, the Oregon Health Authority announced the launch of a new website intended to make it easier for anyone seeking an abortion in Oregon to find care.
“Abortion remains legal and protected in our state,” Gov. Tina Kotek said in a news release about the new website. “Anyone who comes to our state for an abortion, regardless of immigration status, has the legal and protected right to that abortion service.”
The Abortion Access in Oregon webpage includes links to clinics that offer abortion services, as well as information about the procedure, insurance coverage, payment options and legal and privacy rights. The website also includes a list of phone lines for people seeking emotional support or legal help related to an abortion, help for people out of state trying to get to Oregon for an abortion and warnings about how to spot fake abortion clinics set up by anti-abortion groups.
Oregon lawmakers passed the Reproductive Health Equity Act in 2017, codifying abortion rights in Oregon. Abortion services remain legal in Oregon despite the 2022 Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade. (While the Supreme Court could further limit access to abortion through a commonly used medication, a case justices considered on Tuesday, several national news outlets report that the court appears skeptical and unlikely to do so.)
In Oregon:
- Minors 15 and older can access an abortion without parental consent.
- All state regulated insurance plans must cover abortions. The state’s Medicaid plan covers transportation costs to and from an abortion and in some cases can help with meals or lodging.
- There are no statewide bans or restrictions on abortion based on how far along the pregnancy is.
“As challenges to women’s reproductive freedom mount across the country, OHA remains staunchly committed to protecting access to the full range of reproductive health care,” Sejal Hathi, director of the Oregon Health Authority, said in a statement.
Sami Edge covers higher education and politics for The Oregonian. You can reach her at sedge@oregonian.com.