State of Oregon Archives: on Abortion

ACLU: Apply health equity: barriers affect low-income minorities

Legislative Summary: HB3391: Reproductive Health Equity Act: Requires health benefit plan coverage of specified health care services, drugs, devices, products & procedures related to reproductive health. Allows exemption for plans sold to religious employers. [Enacted Aug/15/17].

ACLU analysis: Restrictions on reproductive health care can have profoundly harmful effects on our health and well-being, particularly for those who already face significant barriers to accessing high-quality care, such as low-income women, women of color, immigrant women, young women, survivors of domestic violence, and transgender and gender-nonconforming people. The Reproductive Health Equity Act ensures that Oregonians, regardless of income, citizenship status, gender identity or type of insurance, have access to the full range of preventive reproductive health services, including family planning, abortion, and postpartum care.

Source: ACLU analysis of Oregon H 3700 voting records Aug 15, 2017

Bud Pierce: Accessible contraceptives & family planning services

Bud Pierce understands the importance of preventative screenings and access to healthcare services. He will ensure women have access to quality and affordable healthcare and family planning services. Oregon has taken great strides to be a pioneer in providing accessible contraceptives, but it needs to make sure that these services are safely administered and our women receive the appropriate care at all stages of life. Source: 2016 Oregon Gubernatorial campaign website BudPierce.com Dec 9, 2015

Cliff Bentz: Opposed requiring coverage for all for reproductive health

ACLU analysis: Restrictions on reproductive health care can have profoundly harmful effects on our health and well-being, particularly for those who already face significant barriers to accessing high-quality care, such as low-income women. HB3391 ensures that Oregonians, regardless of income, citizenship status, gender identity or type of insurance, have access to the full range of preventive reproductive health services, including family planning, abortion, and postpartum care.

Legislative Outcome:Passed House 33-23-4 on Jul/1/17; State Rep. Cliff Bentz voted NO; Passed Senate 17-13-0 on Jul/5/17; Signed by Governor Kate Brown on Aug/15/17

Source: ACLU analysis of Oregon H 3700 voting records Jul 1, 2017

Kate Brown: Abortions should always be legally available

Abortions should always be legally available.

Source: Oregon Legislative 1996 National Political Awareness Test Nov 1, 1996

Jason Beebe: Mother had me at 14; really do believe in right to life

My mother had me when she was just 14, so I really do believe in the right to life. Life begins at conception. In full alignment with that, I don't believe that taxpayer money should go to subsidize abortions in our country. I look forward to working with the national and state organizations to push right to life policies forward. I will fight for those who cannot fight for themselves! Source: 2021 OR Senate campaign website BeebeForOregon.com Aug 29, 2021

Jeff Merkley: Abortions should always be legally available

Abortions should always be legally available.
Support "buffer zones" by requiring demonstrators to stay at least 15 feet away from abortion clinic doorways and driveways.

Source: Oregon State 1998 National Political Awareness Test Nov 1, 1998

Jeff Merkley: Public funding for stem cell research

Establishes Human Stem Cell Research Committee.
Requires committee to develop guidelines for research involving derivation or use of human stem cells.
Establishes Human Stem Cell Research Grant Fund.
Authorizes committee to seek private and public contributions for purpose of funding research grants from fund.
Continuously appropriates moneys in fund to Department of Human Services for purposes of Act.
Imposes penalties for failure to obtain written informed consent from donor prior to donation and use of human egg or sperm cell for research.
Directs committee to study nature of informed consent provided and to make recommendations to Governor & Legislative Assembly.

Source: Oregon State Legislative Voting Records Jun 21, 2007

Jennifer Granholm: Religious political discussions turn to reproductive rights

Granholm weighed in on how social and religious issues are impacting the presidential race so far. Political discussions of religion, she said, turn inevitably into debates over reproductive rights, a discussion that is conspicuously characterized by the relative lack of female voices in politics. Source: MLive.com on 2014 Oregon Gubernatorial race Feb 24, 2012

Jim Huffman: Pro-choice, but issue has corrupted politics

Huffman says that the abortion issue has "corrupted American politics for way too long" and that it is so difficult because, unlike most individual rights cases, it pits the rights of two individuals--the mother and the unborn--against each other. If forced into one camp or the other, he says he would be characterized as pro-choice. Source: Elizabeth Hovde, columnist in The Oregonian Mar 6, 2010

Jim Huffman: Supports abortion rights, but no federal funding

Huffman, who has taught constitutional law for 37 years at Lewis & Clark Law School, where he also served as dean, says he's socially moderate and fiscally conservative. He supports abortion rights, though no federal funding for abortion, and civil unions for gay couples. He says he differs most fundamentally from Wyden in his view that government should have a limited role in American lives. Source: Oregon Live coverage of 2010 Oregon Senate Debate Oct 8, 2010

Jim Huffman: Pro-choice but Roe v. Wade was a bad decision

Wyden charged Huffman had contradictory positions on abortion. Huffman told people in Western Oregon that he was pro-choice on abortion, said Wyden, but in Eastern Oregon, Huffman said the Supreme Court made a bad decision in legalizing abortion with its 1973 landmark ruling on Roe vs. Wade. Huffman replied that was not a contradiction.

"You can be pro-choice and still believe Roe vs. Wade is a bad decision," said Huffman, who taught constitutional law.

Source: OregonLive.com coverage of 2010 Oregon Senate debate Oct 22, 2010

Jo Rae Perkins: Pro life and support Medical Freedom

Key Messages:

I will work to shrink the size of the federal government agencies. This should lead to curtailing out of control spending and reduce the over reach of those agencies.
I support term limits, 12 years maximum in Congress. No more career politicians
I support Medical Freedom, am Pro life and Pro 2nd Amendment.

Source: Ballotpedia.org on 2020 Oregon Senate race May 20, 2020

Jo Rae Perkins: Life begins at conception

I am 100% pro-life. Life begins at conception. Every life has value. Once a woman is pregnant, it is no longer just her body or her life. There is another body, another life living inside of her. Source: Vote Smart Oregon Congressional 2018 NPAT Nov 1, 2018

Jo Rae Perkins: Strong pro-life from womb to tomb

Jo Rae Perkins has received the endorsement of Oregon Right to Life PAC. She is pro-life all the way; a fighter who defends life from "womb to the tomb." Jo Rae believes "A society that embraces and celebrates debauchery, abortion, euthanasia, is not enlightened. It's depraved. Source: 2020 Oregon Senate campaign website PerkinsForUSSenate.vote Jun 17, 2020

Jo Rae Perkins: Endorsed by Oregon Right to Life, pro-life all the way

Life: Jo Rae Perkins has received the endorsement of Oregon Right to Life PAC. She is pro-life all the way; a fighter who defends life from "womb to the tomb." Jo Rae believes "A society that embraces and celebrates debauchery, abortion, euthanasia, is not enlightened. It's depraved." Source: 2020 Oregon Senate endorsements on PerkinsForUSSenate.com Aug 17, 2020

John Kitzhaber: Abortions always legally available, & government funded

Abortions should always be legally available.
Oregon government should provide funding to clinics and medical facilities that provide abortion services.

Source: Oregon Gubernatorial 1998 National Political Awareness Test Nov 1, 1998

Julian Bell: Strongly supports a woman's right to choose

Women's Rights: Supporting a woman's right to choose.

As a healthcare provider, Dr. Bell strongly supports a woman's right to choose her own care, especially abortion. Under his leadership, abortion will remain legal.

Source: 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial campaign website DrJulianBell.com May 23, 2022

Kate Brown: Enacted requiring coverage for all for reproductive health

ACLU analysis: Restrictions on reproductive health care can have profoundly harmful effects on our health and well-being, particularly for those who already face significant barriers to accessing high-quality care, such as low-income women. HB3391 ensures that Oregonians, regardless of income, citizenship status, gender identity or type of insurance, have access to the full range of preventive reproductive health services, including family planning, abortion, and postpartum care.

Legislative Outcome:Passed House 33-23-4 on Jul/1/17; Passed Senate 17-13-0 on Jul/5/17; Signed by Governor Kate Brown on Aug/15/17

Source: ACLU analysis of Oregon H 3700 voting records Aug 15, 2017

Kevin Stine: No new federal law restricting access to abortion

Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Abortion is a woman's unrestricted right"?

A: Strongly support. There should not be any new federal law restricting access.

Source: Email interview on 2016 Oregon Senate race with OnTheIssues Jan 1, 2016

Knute Buehler: Pro-choice: wants abortions rare, safe and legal

When it comes to abortion rights, I believe most Oregonians are either pro-choice with certain limitations or pro-life with certain exceptions. I am pro-choice. And while people of conscience will disagree, my experience is that most Oregonians manifest their positions moderately and with thoughtful consideration for other points of view. And while I'm pro-choice, I actually believe in the idea of making abortion "rare,"along with keeping it safe and legal. Source: The Oregonian Buehler OpEd on 2018 Oregon Governor race Aug 20, 2017

Knute Buehler: Opposed requiring coverage for all for reproductive health

ACLU analysis: Restrictions on reproductive health care can have profoundly harmful effects on our health and well-being, particularly for those who already face significant barriers to accessing high-quality care, such as low-income women. HB3391 ensures that Oregonians, regardless of income, citizenship status, gender identity or type of insurance, have access to the full range of preventive reproductive health services, including family planning, abortion, and postpartum care.

Legislative Outcome:Passed House 33-23-4 on Jul/1/17; State Rep. Knute Buehler voted NO; Passed Senate 17-13-0 on Jul/5/17; Signed by Governor Kate Brown on Aug/15/17

Source: ACLU analysis of Oregon H 3700 voting records Jul 1, 2017

Mark Callahan: You are either Pro-Life or you are not

Pro-Life: life begins at conception: I am 100% Pro-Life. I believe that you are either Pro-Life or you are not.

As a conservative, I was endorsed by Oregon Right-To-Life during my 2012 campaign for State Representative.

Source: 2016 Oregon Senate campaign website, CallahanForOregon.com Oct 9, 2015

Mark Callahan: Abortion is murder

Q: Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?

Callahan: None. Abortion is murder. There are always other options to abortion.

Source: 2016 AFA Action iVoterGuide on Oregon House race Nov 8, 2016

Monica Wehby: Abortion is a personal choice

Wehby has said the government shouldn't be involved in same-sex marriage and abortion is a personal choice.

"We already have a Democratic senator, we don't need another one," [her primary opponent] Conger said. "No Republican candidate will win by being more of a Democrat than a Democrat." Conger opposes abortion

Wehby believes she could pull women voters and independents into her camp because the "normal attacks" used against Republicans like the "war on women" would be ineffective against her.

Source: Statesman Journal on 2014 Oregon Senate debate Mar 9, 2014

Monica Wehby: Abortion is a personal decision

Portland pediatric neurosurgeon Monica Wehby was once again the only one of the GOP candidates to express support for abortion rights, which she called a "personal decision." That won her a fair amount of applause among the 150 conservative activists at a Portland debate sponsored by the Western Liberty Network.

The other three candidates --Rep. Jason Conger, County Republican Chair Jo Rae Perkins and Mark Callahan--all expressed their opposition to abortion.

Source: The Oregonian on 2016 Oregon Senate race Jan 25, 2014

Paul Romero: Defund Planned Parenthood

Pro Life - NO Taxpayer funding of Planned Parenthood
Religious Liberty
END Obamacare - DEFUND Obamacare

Source: 2020 Oregon Senate campaign website Romero4Oregon.com Dec 23, 2019

Paul Romero: Only exceptions for rape, incest, risk of death of mother

He opposes abortion, except in cases of rape, incest and the risk of death for the mother. Source: The News-Review on 2020 Oregon Senate race Sep 20, 2019

Tina Kotek: Worked to ensure full access to reproductive health care

After the U.S. Supreme Court declined to block Texas' draconian new limits on abortion, Oregon House Speaker Tina Kotek (D-Portland) slammed the Lone Star State. "It's appalling that the courts aren't protecting Texans from this extreme law," Kotek tweeted. "We've worked hard to ensure full access to reproductive health care in Oregon and won't stop fighting to protect those rights." Source: Willamette Week on 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial race Sep 15, 2021

Tina Kotek: Supported requiring coverage for all for reproductive health

Legislative Summary:HB3391: Reproductive Health Equity Act: Requires health benefit plan coverage of specified health care services, drugs, devices, products & procedures related to reproductive health. Allows exemption for plans sold to religious employers.

ACLU analysis:Restrictions on reproductive health care can have profoundly harmful effects on our health and well-being, particularly for those who already face significant barriers to accessing high-quality care, such as low-income women. HB3391 ensures that Oregonians, regardless of income, citizenship status, gender identity or type of insurance, have access to the full range of preventive reproductive health services, including family planning, abortion, and postpartum care.

Legislative Outcome:Passed House 33-23-4 on Jul/1/17; House Speaker Tina Kotek voted YES; Passed Senate 17-13-0 on Jul/5/17; Signed by Governor Kate Brown on Aug/15/17

Source: ACLU analysis of Oregon HB3391 voting records Jul 1, 2017

Tina Kotek: Public funding for stem cell research

HB 2801, "Exploration of Public Funding for Stem Cell Research"

Establishes Human Stem Cell Research Committee.
Requires committee to develop guidelines for research involving derivation or use of human stem cells.
Establishes Human Stem Cell Research Grant Fund.
Authorizes committee to seek private and public contributions for purpose of funding research grants from fund.
Continuously appropriates moneys in fund to Department of Human Services for purposes of Act.
Imposes penalties for failure to obtain written informed consent from donor prior to donation and use of human egg or sperm cell for research.
Directs committee to study nature of informed consent provided and to make recommendations to Governor & Legislative Assembly.

Legislative Outcome:State Rep. Tina Kotek voted YES; Bill Failed, 29-30. Source: Oregon State Legislative Voting Records: HB 2801 Jun 21, 2007

Winona LaDuke: Supports a woman's right to choose

Winona Laduke believes strongly in many things. She believes it's a woman's right to choose whether or not to have an abortion. " I see a lot of men talking about what women should do with their bodies, but not women", she said. Source: U-wire article, "Native Week at Oregon State" May 23, 2000

Winona LaDuke: Choice means quality of life for low-income families

LaDuke said that men are concerned with the idea of freedom of choice, but the ones in power do not work to take care of the children that have already been born, providing quality health care for low income families, making sure children receive the child support they need and health care above all. Source: U-wire article, "Native Week at Oregon State" May 23, 2000

Tom Vilsack: Informed consent is government telling women what to do

Informed consent laws often mandate that a woman is given inflammatory and medically inaccurate materials, emphasizing alleged medical risks and the state's preference for childbirth through biased "counseling" and pictorial depictions. As Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack commented, informed consent laws "are about government prescribing what a woman should think about, when a woman should think, and for how long a woman should think. This goes beyond the appropriate role of government." Source: 2016 Veepstakes: ProChoiceOregon.org, "Waiting periods" Feb 24, 2007

Betsy Johnson: I am pro-choice--it is a bedrock value for me

I am pro-choice--it is a bedrock value for me and for Oregon. As Oregon's independent governor, I will make sure Oregon remains a pro-choice state and I will oppose efforts to weaken state laws regarding access to reproductive health care services for all Oregon women. Source: 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial campaign website RunBetsyRun.com Oct 6, 2022

Betsy Johnson: History as a Planned Parenthood board member

Kotek highlighted her legislative record and support from groups supporting abortion access, and Johnson noted her history as a Planned Parenthood board member and legislator supporting abortion access. Drazan said she is against abortions, but beyond that only that she would enforce Oregon's abortion laws. That led Kotek to point out that a governor could do a great deal to effectively restrict abortion even with the laws on the books. None answered the moderator's question about when life begins. Source: Capital Chronicle on 2022 Oregon Gubernatorial race Sep 29, 2022

Betsy Johnson: Supported requiring coverage for all for reproductive health

Legislative Summary:HB3391: Reproductive Health Equity Act: Requires health benefit plan coverage of specified health care services, drugs, devices, products & procedures related to reproductive health. Allows exemption for plans sold to religious employers.

ACLU analysis:Restrictions on reproductive health care can have profoundly harmful effects on our health and well-being, particularly for those who already face significant barriers to accessing high-quality care, such as low-income women. HB3391 ensures that Oregonians, regardless of income, citizenship status, gender identity or type of insurance, have access to the full range of preventive reproductive health services, including family planning, abortion, and postpartum care.

Legislative Outcome:Passed House 33-23-4 on Jul/1/17; Passed Senate 17-13-0 on Jul/5/17; State Sen. Betsy Johnson voted YES; Signed by Governor Kate Brown on Aug/15/17

Source: ACLU analysis of Oregon HB3391 voting records Jul 1, 2017

Christine Drazan: Against abortion, but would only enforce existing laws

Lori Chavez-DeRemer: Against national legislation; leave it up to the states

She said she didn't want to see Congress take up national legislation about abortion. When pressed, Chavez-DeRemer said she wouldn't vote for a national abortion ban--though she previously indicated support of a ban beginning around six weeks of pregnancy, the first point at which doctors can detect electrical activity in what would become a heart. "I think the right approach for Congress is to leave it exactly with the Dobbs case, back to the states," Chavez-DeRemer said. Source: Oregon Capital Chronicle on 2022 OR-5 House incumbent Oct 27, 2022

Tobias Read: Public funding for stem cell research

HB 2801, "Exploration of Public Funding for Stem Cell Research"

Establishes Human Stem Cell Research Committee.
Requires committee to develop guidelines for research involving derivation or use of human stem cells.
Establishes Human Stem Cell Research Grant Fund.
Authorizes committee to seek private and public contributions for purpose of funding research grants from fund.
Continuously appropriates moneys in fund to Department of Human Services for purposes of Act.
Imposes penalties for failure to obtain written informed consent from donor prior to donation and use of human egg or sperm cell for research.
Directs committee to study nature of informed consent provided and to make recommendations to Governor & Legislative Assembly.

Legislative Outcome:State Rep. Tobias Read voted YES; Bill Failed, 29-30. Source: Oregon State Legislative Voting Records: HB 2801 Jun 21, 2007

Janelle Bynum: Supported requiring coverage for all for reproductive health

Legislative Summary:HB3391: Reproductive Health Equity Act: Requires health benefit plan coverage of specified health care services, drugs, devices, products & procedures related to reproductive health. Allows exemption for plans sold to religious employers.

ACLU analysis:Restrictions on reproductive health care can have profoundly harmful effects on our health and well-being, particularly for those who already face significant barriers to accessing high-quality care, such as low-income women. HB3391 ensures that Oregonians, regardless of income, citizenship status, gender identity or type of insurance, have access to the full range of preventive reproductive health services, including family planning, abortion, and postpartum care.

Legislative Outcome:Passed House 33-23-4 on Jul/1/17; State Rep. Janelle Bynum voted YES; Passed Senate 17-13-0 on Jul/5/17; Signed by Governor Kate Brown on Aug/15/17

Source: ACLU analysis of Oregon HB3391 voting records Jul 1, 2017

The above quotations are from State of Oregon Politicians: Archives. Click here for definitions & background information on Abortion. Click here for other issues (main summary page).
*2024 Presidential contenders on Abortion:*
	*Candidates for President & Vice-President:* V.P.Kamala Harris (D-CA) Robert F. Kennedy Jr.(I-CA) Chase Oliver(L-GA) Dr.Jill Stein(D-MA) Former Pres.Donald Trump(R-FL) Sen.J.D.Vance(R-OH) Gov.Tim Walz(D-MN) Dr.Cornel West(I-NJ)	*2024 presidential primary contenders:* Pres.Joe_Biden(D-DE) N.D.Gov.Doug Burgum(R) N.J.Gov.Chris_Christie(R) Fla.Gov.Ron_DeSantis(R) S.C.Gov.Nikki_Haley(R) Ark.Gov.Asa_Hutchinson(R) Former V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN) U.S.Rep.Dean_Phillips(D-MN) Vivek_Ramaswamy(R-OH) S.C.Sen.Tim_Scott(R)
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Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026