Spotlight: Reproductive Rights

If you need guidance after the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, overturning the long-standing constitutional right to abortion, please contact the Oregon Reproductive Rights Hotline. The Hotline is staffed by local law firms and provides free legal advice on Oregon’s reproductive health laws, including issues related to abortion access.

The Oregon Reproductive Rights Hotline can be reached at (503) 431-6460.

Reproductive Rights in Oregon - Spanish
Reproductive Rights in Oregon - Spanish

Reproductive Rights in Oregon Handout
(English | Spanish)

Q & A: Abortion Law in Oregon*

Abortion is still SAFE, ACCESSIBLE and LEGAL in OREGON

The recent United States Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade (called Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health) did not change Oregon laws protecting a pregnant person’s right to choose to have an abortion in Oregon.

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Does Oregon impose any legal restrictions on access to abortion?

No. Oregon does not have any legal restrictions on abortion. For example, in Oregon there are no gestational limits, no waiting periods, and you can access medication abortion (abortion pills) by mail.

Can I obtain an abortion in Oregon if I am not an Oregon resident?

Yes. Oregon welcomes anyone who needs abortion care and cannot receive it in their home state.

Can I be turned away for abortion services in Oregon if I am undocumented or a lawful permanent resident?

No. Oregon’s Reproductive Health Equity Act prohibits discrimination in coverage or care based on gender, sexual orientation, race, disability, or immigration status. If you are undocumented or a lawful permanent resident, you cannot be discriminated against while seeking and/or receiving abortion care.

If I live in Oregon, will my insurance pay for my abortion?

Most likely yes, unless your insurer qualifies for an exemption from Oregon’s Reproductive Health Equity Act. Oregon law requires most insurance plans to cover abortion care, with no out-of-pocket charges. For a list of health plans covered by the law, visit https://dfr.oregon.gov/Pages/index.aspx and click on “RHEA Plan Information.” Self-insured and federally funded plans are exempt from the law’s requirement. Other limits to coverage may apply, depending on your plan. If your plan is exempt from these requirements or your plan excludes you from coverage, there may still be resources available to help. Please see the next question.

Can I get an abortion if I don’t have health insurance, cannot afford insurance, and/or do not qualify for the Oregon Health Plan?

Yes. For more information, please contact the Oregon Health Authority by calling 971-673-0355 or visiting https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/HealthyPeopleFamilies/ReproductiveSexualHealth/pages/index.aspx.

Can I get a medication abortion in Oregon using telemedicine?

Yes. In Oregon, you have the option to end an early pregnancy with medication. Pregnant persons up to 10 weeks of gestational age can bypass the in-person visits typically needed to obtain an abortion by having a telemedicine consultation with an Oregon licensed provider and, if approved for the treatment, have medication mailed directly to an Oregon address.

Is my decision to have an abortion in Oregon private?

Yes. Federal and state patient privacy laws consider this decision to be protected health information, and as a general matter, identifiable health information cannot be released without an individual’s consent. There are exceptions, however, such as disclosure for purposes of treatment or payment, or if reporting is otherwise required by state law.

Do I have the right to confidential communication with my health insurance plan?

Yes. Under Oregon law, you have the right to have your insurance plan send protected health information directly to you instead of to the person who pays for your health insurance plan. For more information on this law and how to request protected health information, visit https://dfr.oregon.gov/insure/health/patient-privacy/Pages/your-rights.aspx.

Can I be prosecuted for helping an out-of-state resident obtain an abortion in Oregon?

There are both individuals and organizations in Oregon committed to helping people from any state come to Oregon for an abortion. Neither you (as an individual) nor any organization can be prosecuted in Oregon for helping an out-of-state resident obtain an abortion. While we have no jurisdiction or control over other states’ laws and potential actions, the federal government recently committed to ensuring the right to travel for abortion care.**

Where can I go if I have additional questions about reproductive health care in Oregon?

Contact the Oregon Health Authority by calling 971-673-0355 or click on “What Can I Get” and “Find a Clinic” under Services at: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/HealthyPeopleFamilies/ReproductiveSexualHealth/pages/index.aspx.

How can I contact the Oregon Reproductive Rights Hotline?

Call 503-431-6460.

Will I speak with a lawyer?

Yes, you will be connected with a lawyer from one of the participating Oregon law firms.

How long will it take to speak with a lawyer?

The Hotline’s team of lawyers will return calls within 48 hours after the call is received through the Oregon State Bar’s Lawyer Referral Service.

Do I have to pay?

Legal questions are answered on a pro bono (cost-free) basis by attorneys in participating law firms.  There is no cost to you or the state.

* Current as of January 23, 2023
** For more information, see President Biden’s August 3, 2022, Executive Order on Securing Access to Reproductive and Other Healthcare Services online at https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2022/08/03/executive-order-onsecuring-access-to-reproductive-and-other-healthcare-services/.

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