Oregon House Democrats announced Friday the creation of a legislative workgroup designed to preserve access to abortion and reproductive health services in the state, a move that comes in direct response to recent federal actions threatening Planned Parenthood and other providers nationwide.
The announcement follows the passage of House Resolution 1, a federal budget bill that eliminates Medicaid reimbursements for Planned Parenthood. The measure, backed by President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans, has already prompted litigation in several states. Just this month, the First Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against Planned Parenthood in its bid to continue receiving Medicaid funds, leaving many state affiliates bracing for significant financial strain.
Oregon lawmakers say they intend to ensure that the state remains a safe haven for reproductive health care, even as federal policies shift in the opposite direction. The new workgroup will examine how best to maintain and expand access to abortion services, protect providers, and identify potential funding streams to offset losses tied to HR 1.
The panel will include a mix of House and Senate Democrats along with representatives from Oregon Planned Parenthood affiliates. Among the House members are Majority Leader Ben Bowman, Andrea Valderrama, April Dobson, and Sue Rieke-Smith. Senators Deb Patterson and Wlnsvey Campos will represent the upper chamber. Their task will be to draft policy proposals in advance of the 2026 legislative session.
According to state leaders, the group’s work will center on three priorities: preserving equitable access to abortion care for Oregonians regardless of income or geography; defending Oregon health providers against possible legal action from anti-abortion states; and exploring new sources of funding that could replace federal dollars now cut off by the budget measure.
Democrats emphasized that Planned Parenthood clinics in Oregon, like those elsewhere in the country, provide not only abortion services but also preventive care, cancer screenings, contraception, and other essential health programs. With federal reimbursements now off the table, the financial viability of these services is in question, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
The renewed clash over abortion rights comes as national politics continue to polarize around reproductive health. The Trump Administration has consistently aligned with efforts to curtail federal support for Planned Parenthood, framing the issue as a matter of budget discipline and ideological principle. Opponents argue that such actions disproportionately impact low-income populations who rely on Medicaid for basic medical care.
For Oregon, a state that has historically taken a strong pro-choice stance, the challenge lies in navigating these federal headwinds while continuing to meet the needs of residents. Lawmakers here have previously passed protections for abortion access and gender-affirming care, positioning Oregon as one of the most protective states for reproductive rights in the country.
Once the workgroup completes its study, it will issue a report outlining recommendations for legislation to be introduced during the 2026 session. Those proposals could include state-level funding guarantees, legal shields for providers, or additional measures designed to reinforce Oregon’s commitment to reproductive health.
For now, state leaders describe the workgroup as a proactive measure aimed at ensuring that Oregon does not lose ground in the wake of federal cuts. With Planned Parenthood facing mounting challenges nationwide, the outcome of this process could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of reproductive health care across the state.