With the ruling on June 24th, the Supreme Court has taken away the constitutional right to abortion, overturning the 1973 Roe v. Wade landmark legislation. Pregnant people, including youth, seek or even require abortion care for various reasons, all of which are valid. This decision denies pregnant people the right to make their own decisions about their bodies and, ultimately, their futures. This decision makes the path to limit and erode other freedoms clearer.
Our Children Oregon wants children and youth to have what they need to live to their full potential; as such, the right to privacy and autonomy is paramount. Young people, whether independently or in consultation with a trusted caregiver or health professional, need to be free to make health care choices that are right for them, their families, their economic and life circumstances, and their goals and aspirations. As an organization, we want Oregon’s children to thrive. This begins with supporting people to make their own decisions about how and when their families are formed and shaped. And it continues by advocating for policies that support healthy children and positive outcomes, including improved health care access, food security, affordable and stable housing, increased education opportunities, economic supports, and more.
Banning access to abortions will not reduce the rates at which they happen. Oregon counters this assumption, having seen its abortion rate steadily fall for the past 30 years while having the most protective abortion policies in the nation. What abortion bans will do is make abortions less safe. While this decision will impact all who can become pregnant, the burden and impact will weigh most heavily on BIPOC, queer, disabled, and low-income persons who already face barriers in equitably accessing affordable, high-quality health care.
While abortion care remains legal and accessible in Oregon, it is through solidarity and collective action that we can move from our current present to a more equitable future. Our Children Oregon stands in solidarity with those seeking access to needed abortion care in impacted states and those working for reproductive justice across Oregon and nationwide.
Ways to Take ACTion
- Oregon’s Reproductive Health Equity Fund @ Seeding Justice
- Northwest Abortion Access Fund
- Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon
- Pro-Choice Oregon
- Oregon LGBTQ2SIA+ Rights Following the Overturning of Roe v. Wade
Our Children Oregon acknowledges that several other significant rulings have since been issued by SCOTUS including those that impact tribal sovereignty, gun violence prevention, and the ability to respond effectively to climate change. These rulings also pose significant threats to the well-being of children and families both in Oregon and across the country. We are committed to supporting a thriving future for all children. We invite you to join us in the work ahead.
