Governor Tina Kotek responded on Apr. 15 to an oral ruling in Oregon that found the Oregon Reproductive Health Equity Act (RHEA) unconstitutional.
The issue is significant because RHEA has been central to providing reproductive health care access in Oregon, particularly by ensuring private insurance covers such care without cost barriers. The law’s future is now uncertain as legal proceedings continue.
Kotek said, “The Reproductive Health Equity Act is a cornerstone of Oregon’s commitment to ensuring every Oregonian can access reproductive health care. For nearly a decade, this law has meant that Oregonians with private insurance can get the care they need without cost barriers.”
She added, “I was proud to champion the Reproductive Health Equity Act because Oregonians believe health care decisions belong to individuals – not employers, not politicians, and not the courts. At a time when reproductive rights are under attack across the country, Oregon has been a leader and a safe harbor. We are not going to back down now.”
According to Kotek, opponents of RHEA relied on “Trump’s Supreme Court ruling in Catholic Charities Bureau Inc. V. Wisconsin Labor and Industry Review Commission.” She said her administration will work with Attorney General Rayfield “to pursue every legal avenue available” and “minimize any impact to Oregon’s protections.” She also stated: “I will fight to ensure access to the health care that Oregonians need.”
Currently, coverage under RHEA remains unchanged until further court action or written opinion clarifies next steps regarding enforcement or injunctions.
