Next Governor Holds Key to Protecting Reproductive Rights in Oregon
Portland, OR -- Planned Parenthood PAC of Oregon and NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon PAC, the two leading reproductive rights organizations in Oregon - with more than 50,000 supporters - joined forces today to denounce the decision by the governor of Louisiana to sign a sweeping abortion ban. This unconstitutional legislation includes no protections for women's health and safety. The bill passed the Louisiana legislature on June 6, 2006. Governor Kathleen Blanco has said that she will not veto this attack on privacy, and is expected to sign any day.
"Now more than ever we need a governor who will protect a woman's right to choose," stated Michele Stranger Hunter, Executive Director of NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon. "Our nation has two new US Supreme Court Justices who are not committed to upholding Roe v. Wade, and as recent abortion bans in South Dakota and Louisiana show, the battle for reproductive rights is moving to the states."
The passage of the abortion ban in Louisiana is the latest in a series of sweeping abortion restrictions that are moving through state legislatures. Over the past year, more than 697 pieces of anti-choice legislation have been introduced, and 12 states have attempted to pass total bans on abortion.
“The next governor of Oregon will make critical decisions on a host of women’s health and reproductive rights issues,” noted David Greenberg, board member of Planned Parenthood PAC of Oregon “We need an advocate in the Governor’s office, not someone who will take Oregon in the wrong direction by restricting access to abortion and family planning services.”
NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon PAC and Planned Parenthood PAC of Oregon have both endorsed Governor Ted Kulongoski because of his strong support for reproductive rights and lengthy record of protecting access to reproductive health care and family planning services. Both organizations are deeply concerned that the other leading gubernatorial candidates would be dangerous for Oregon’s women, because of their statements and records opposing a woman’s right to choose.
Ron Saxton, the Republican candidate, has clearly stated his opposition to abortion rights. As he recently noted, "If you look at the issues Oregon Right to Life brought to the legislature this last session, the issues where the legislature has a role to play, then I do side with limiting those rights." [WB's "Outlook Oregon” 4/2/06].
Former Republican State Senator Ben Westlund, a potential Independent candidate from Bend, co-sponsored three of the five pieces of legislation Oregon Right to Life labeled a priority during the 2005 session, including bills establishing a 24 hour mandatory delay and parental notification. In 2003, Westlund co-sponsored a bill that would severely limit access to abortion care.
Constitution Party candidate Mary Starrett is “completely pro-life” – Oregonians For Life, 6/5/06.
With the battle for reproductive rights increasingly returning to the states, Oregon needs a governor who will respect the personal freedom and responsibility of women. NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon PAC and Planned Parenthood PAC are working to educate Oregon voters on the clear differences between the gubernatorial candidates, so voters can protect reproductive rights for all Oregonians.
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