By overturning Roe v. Wade, the United States Supreme Court has shown its true colors as a radicalized judicial body that’s completely at odds with the will of the American people.

PORTLAND, OR – APRIL 18, 2022 – For forty-nine years, abortion rights have been protected in the United States. Today, a radicalized Supreme Court threw precedent out the window, ending reproductive freedom for millions of Americans. This decision is wildly unpopular. In a recent Pew survey, 61% of U.S. adults said abortion should be legal in all or most cases.

26 states are now likely or certain to criminalize abortion. This will be disastrous, especially for women of color and those in rural or low-income communities. Making abortions illegal will not stop them from happening, but will instead make them much more dangerous. Maternal mortality rates will rise, particularly among Black women, who are considerably more at risk of dying from childbirth than white women. In addition, the wage gap will grow even wider as families are driven deeper into poverty. The pressure and financial burden on states that still protect the right to an abortion, including Oregon, will be massive.

Let us be clear: all people, whoever we are or wherever we live, deserve to be able to make personal healthcare decisions for ourselves and our families.

As we head into midterm elections and prepare for the 2024 national election, we must center reproductive rights in the public debate. In Oregon, we will work tirelessly to recruit, train, and support Democratic candidates for local, state and federal office who will fight to protect our right to reproductive freedom.

The Multnomah Democrats will never stop fighting for abortion rights. We are angry. But we are determined. This fight has just begun.  

The following Multnomah County Democrat officers are available for interviews:

Julio Castilleja, Chair

Marcia Schneider, Vice Chair 1

Britton Taylor, Communication Officer