Statement of NOW President Toni Van Pelt

The National Organization for Women applauds Gov. Kate Brown of Oregon, who yesterday signed the nation’s most progressive reproductive health legislation into law.

Oregon’s Reproductive Health Equity Act creates groundbreaking safeguards against the tide of anti-choice legislation sweeping the nation–ensuring that every Oregonian will have comprehensive access to reproductive care regardless of their income, citizenship status, or gender identity.

Under this law, Oregonians will be guaranteed:

• Insurance coverage for reproductive health services, at no cost to them–including abortion, contraception, vasectomies, maternity care, and STI and cancer screenings
• The right to abortion care, in the event that Roe v. Wade is overturned
• Protection from discrimination in the healthcare system based on their citizenship status or gender identity

This bill is a shining example of the incredible things that can happen when women are elected to public office. Gov. Kate Brown was key to achieving this amazing victory. Moving forward, we will set our sights not only on securing comprehensive reproductive healthcare across the country, but also on electing more feminist champions like her.

Contact
M.E. Ficarra, press@now.org, 951-547-1241