Measure 106: Vote No

Right now, Oregon is one of three states requiring almost all insurance plans to cover the cost of an abortion, including people covered by the Oregon Health Plan. We agree with opponents of this measure, who claim that Measure 106 would represent a way to chip away at abortion rights in our state. The Measure would remove abortion from the list of medical procedures covered on the Oregon Health Plan—meaning those lower-income women, those most negatively impacted by unexpected expenses, would have to cover the cost out of pocket. What’s more, the Measure makes no exception for pregnancies related to rape or incest, unless required by federal law.

Oregon’s most vulnerable and low-income people should, like everyone else, get to decide when they have a child—and they should not be discriminated against due to the fact that they’re receiving coverage from the Oregon Health Plan. As the makeup of the U.S. Supreme Court changes and the threat of a reversal of Roe v. Wade becomes more of a reality, Oregonians can and should be able to take comfort in the fact that our state’s laws will protect women’s right to choose. This Measure sets a dangerous precedent. Vote No on Measure 106.

This article appears in Oct 10-17, 2018.