Oregon Legislators Debate Bills to Tighten Abortion Regulations
The proposed measures will toughen the state’s abortion restrictions, including a requirement to notify parents before performing abortions on minors.
On Thursday, legislators in the state House Judiciary Committee debated four measures to regulate abortion in Oregon, drawing emotional responses from pro-life and pro-choice proponents.
Oregon is known as one of the states with the most lenient policies concerning abortion. The proposed measures would tighten regulation, which opponents say will pose a threat to the health of women.
The proposed bills will require:
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- Parental notification before performing an abortion on a minor.
- A 24-hour waiting period after consultation with a doctor, to allow women time to review the information before they receive an abortion.
- Notification by doctors that the fetus can experience pain during the abortion. Opponents contend that this claim lacks sufficient scientific evidence.
- Abortion clinics to be placed under stricter regulations rather than those imposed on clinics only performing minor surgeries.
Supporters of the bills contend that these measures are needed to protect women, especially minors, and ensure that each is provided the necessary information before deciding upon an abortion.
Representative Donna Nelson (R-McMinnville), a supporter of the bills, asked, “Would you support a law allowing your teenage daughters to receive cosmetic surgery without your notification and consent?”
"Most parents would never dream of allowing their minor children to undergo invasive and possibly dangerous elective surgery without notification and consent," said Nelson.
Testimonies of support came from women who had received abortions and from abortion awareness groups.
The bills are expected to pass the Republican-dominated House, but face a greater challenge in the Democratic-controlled Senate.
Last week, Governor Mike Rounds of South Dakota signed four similar measures, making abortion regulations in that state one of the strictest in the nation. Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski, a supporter of abortion rights, is expected to veto the bills if they reach his desk.
