Oregon Governor Kotek didn't help her reputation for being the least liked Governor in the U.S. by drawing national attention with her proclamation calling March 10 Abortion Provider Appreciation Day. As the Oregon legislators get pushback on HR 3 honoring Black Drag, Kotek gave objectors a thorn by her announcement reaffirming her administration’s commitment to maintaining access to abortion care in Oregon.

Ever since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade, Kotek’s administration and Democrat leaders have repeatedly tried to make abortion an issue implying some injustice is occurring. It’s a crisis they just can’t muster since the Supreme Court decision simply put the decision in states’ hands.

Kotek defends providers, “Here in Oregon, we understand that abortion is health care, and providers are appreciated and can continue to provide care without interference and intimidation. To our providers and to the patients who live in Oregon or have been forced to retreat to our state for care, know that I continue to have your back.”

Immediately following the November election, Governor Kotek directed the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to partner with OHSU to replace the state's three-year supply of Mifepristone - a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over 20 years ago for use in miscarriage management and to end a pregnancy. Governor Kotek continues to work with providers and the OHA to monitor and identify ways to mitigate federal threats to reproductive care.

According to Oregon Health Authority data, of the 10,075 abortions provided in Oregon in 2023, 1,661 were patients who reside out-of-state, reflecting a nearly 60% increase from the prior year.

Oregon taxpayers are providing this service at a minimum rate of $300 per exam for the Mifepristone medication. Surgical methods run $750 and can increase to over $1500. That’s a minimum of $3,022,500 to $7,556,250 at $750, and of that, $1,245,750 is Oregonian’s generosity to out-of-state patients.

Kotek pledged continued support for patients and providers using taxpayer funding. “As states continue to pass laws targeting abortion patients, providers, and people assisting patients, and as the effects of criminalization play out across the country, today’s proclamation demonstrates continued support for patients and providers.”

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

When Kotek was Speaker of the Oregon House, she worked to pass the Reproductive Health Equity Act (RHEA) in 2017. Then, as Governor, she directed regulators to ensure that insurers were in full compliance with the law including corrective action plans and ongoing monitoring.

In 2023, she signed the Access to Reproductive Health Care law, House Bill 2002. The bill that instigated the Senate walkout because it allows abortions on children without parent’s knowledge. It also provides state funding to support the work of community organizations and clinical partners to ensure that people across the state have access to reproductive health care. The reproductive health care includes abortions and transgender treatments.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-03-14 13:00:00

Last Update: 2025-03-14 22:31:03