The Oregon Department of Justice and various law firms in Oregon recently announced that a hotline, the Oregon Reproductive Rights Hotline, is now available to offer guidance for people who need medical treatment and are not familiar with Oregon’s laws. The collaborative effort was a response to the US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the constitutional right to abortion declared in Roe v. Wade.
“Even in a state like ours, where abortion is legal, confusion and fear has ensued since the US Supreme Court struck down the constitutional right to obtain an abortion last June,” said Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum. “The Hotline will fill an important need in our state for callers to understand the status of our reproductive health laws, including issues related to abortion access. This is especially important because we share a border with Idaho, which has a near-total abortion ban.” Oregon welcomes anyone who needs abortion care, including non-residents who cannot receive it in their home state.
Oregon’s Reproductive Health Equity Act prohibits discrimination in coverage or care based on gender, sexual orientation, race, disability or immigration status. If you are undocumented or a lawful permanent resident, you cannot be discriminated against while seeking and/or receiving abortion care.
Additionally, unless your insurer qualifies for an exemption from the Reproductive Health Equity Act, insurance will cover abortion care with no out-of-pocket charges. Self-insured and federally funded plans are exempt from this requirement; however, there may still be resources available to help. Contact the Oregon Health Authority at 971.673.0355 for more information.
The Oregon Reproductive Rights Hotline is available by calling 502.431.6460 and will offer guidance and, in cases where a person needs legal advice, attorneys staffing the line will provide recommendations. Calls will be routed through the Oregon State Bar’s Lawyer Referral Service and the team of attorneys staffing the hotline will return calls within 48 hours after the call is received. There is no cost to those who call the hotline or to the state.