Oregon Abortion Laws
What are Oregon Shield laws?
For both reproductive and gender-affirming care, Oregon’s shield laws provide numerous protections for patients, medical providers, and anyone assisting with abortion access from being pursued or penalized in out-of-state investigations.
For example:
If someone travels from a state where abortion is restricted to receive care in Oregon, our shield law protects them
Medical providers cannot be forced to share patient information with states that criminalize abortion
Oregon courts and police shall not cooperate with out-of-state lawsuits or investigations related to abortion or gender-affirming services received within the state
How Shield Laws Protect You:
Privacy: Your medical information is protected and cannot be shared with states that may criminalize you
Safety: If you come to Oregon for care, you are shielded from legal action in your home state
Support for providers: Doctors and clinics in Oregon are protected from being sued or prosecuted by other states for offering these services
In short, Oregon is a reproductive sanctuary, and the Shield Law ensures that both patients and providers are protected from out-of-state laws.
Strong protections and accessibility:
Abortion is legal in Oregon with no limit to gestational age
There are no waiting periods to receive abortion care
There are no restrictions on receiving abortion medication through the mail
You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or an Oregon resident to receive reproductive care or gender-affirming care
Insurance and Financial support:
In Oregon, under the Oregon Reproductive Health Equity Act (2017), state-regulated health insurance plans are required to cover reproductive health services, including abortion, contraceptive, and preventive care, without having to pay out of pocket; this includes Medicaid.
As of July 1, 2023, individuals of all ages who meet income or other qualifying criteria are eligible to receive full OHP benefits, regardless of their immigration status.
Support for Minors
Minors 15 and over have access to reproductive care without parental consent
Children under 15 will require permission from a parent, unless the provider believes that involving a parent could be harmful to the child
