Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has declared March 10 as “Abortion Provider Appreciation Day” in Oregon to underscore her administration’s dedication to ensuring access to abortion care throughout the state. Governor Kotek emphasized that abortion is an essential aspect of healthcare and expressed gratitude towards providers for their unwavering commitment to patient care without facing interference or intimidation. Following the recent election, Governor Kotek instructed the Oregon Health Authority to collaborate with OHSU to replenish the state’s supply of Mifepristone, a medication approved by the FDA for managing miscarriages and terminating pregnancies. She continues to collaborate with providers and the OHA to address potential federal threats to reproductive care. While Oregon’s strong protection of reproductive health rights is at the forefront, critics have questioned the governor’s focus on abortion provider appreciation over addressing other pressing state issues. In 2023, Governor Kotek signed House Bill 2002, the Access to Reproductive Health Care law, which safeguards access to reproductive healthcare and allocates state funding to support community organizations and clinical partners in expanding access to essential reproductive services. The bill also permits minors to undergo sex reassignment surgery or obtain abortions without parental consent. Governor Kotek’s emphasis on reproductive health equity has long been a priority, supported by her tenure as Oregon House Speaker and as governor. The Pro-Life group “Oregon Right to Life” has expressed opposition to the governor’s proclamation of Abortion Provider Appreciation Day.
“We are not celebrating abortion. Instead, we are recognizing a courageous former abortion provider who made the decision to leave the industry,” stated the organization in a post on X. Data from the Oregon Health Authority shows that out of the 10,075 abortions performed in Oregon in 2023, 1,661 were for patients from out-of-state, indicating a significant 60% rise from the previous year. This report includes contributions from Bradford Betz of Fox News Digital. Source: Oregon governor designates March 10 as ‘Abortion Provider Appreciation Day’: ‘We will always support you’
