Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed a proclamation on Monday declaring the day as “Abortion Provider Appreciation Day,” reaffirming her administration’s commitment to maintaining access to abortion services in the state.
Governor Kotek stated, “Here in Oregon, we understand that abortion is healthcare, 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.”
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The proclamation comes amid a reported increase in out-of-state patients seeking abortions in Oregon. According to the Oregon Health Authority, of the 10,075 abortions provided in the state in 2023, 1,661 were for out-of-state residents, reflecting a nearly 60% increase from the previous year.
Governor Kotek’s actions have drawn criticism from Oregon Senate Republicans, who questioned her priorities. In a social media post, they wrote, “Fix crime? Fix schools? Fix affordability? Nah… Kotek declares ‘Abortion Provider Appreciation Day’ instead.”
Additionally, the pro-life organization Oregon Right to Life expressed opposition to the proclamation, stating, “You may have heard it’s Abortion Provider Appreciation Day—but we’re not celebrating abortion. We’re honoring a brave former abortion worker who chose to walk away from the industry.”
Governor Kotek has been a long-time advocate for reproductive health equity. As Speaker of the Oregon House, she worked to pass the Reproductive Health Equity Act in 2017. In 2023, as Governor, she signed the Access to Reproductive Health Care law, House Bill 2002 (HB 2002), which protects access to reproductive health care and provides state funding to support community organizations and clinical partners to ensure broader access to “necessary services.”
HB 2002 also allows minors to have an abortion to undergo gender-affirming surgery without parental consent or knowledge.
Chairman of the Oregon GOP, Justin Hwang, shared with Fox News his perspective on the bill, saying, “This bill represents a new low for Oregon and an even bigger loss for children and parents. Imagine being a father or mother who finds out that their child has made a life-changing decision without any consent or notification.”
This article originally appeared on American Faith, and is reposted with permission.
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