Statement on the Overturning of Roe V Wade

The Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and the Oregon Attorney General’s Sexual Assault Task Force (AGSATF) always has and will continue to always stand with survivors against attacks on their right to bodily autonomy. We support access to abortion because our work is to center the needs of survivors of domestic and sexual violence. We believe all people have a right to fully control their own bodies, lives, and futures. The decision to overrule Roe v. Wade will have lasting consequences for generations, as it discards nearly half a century of precedent. We hear the grief and pain from our member programs- You are not alone navigating this drastic shift in human rights.

Right now, there is no legislative push to make abortion illegal in Oregon but advocates across our state are well aware of how survivors of sexual and domestic violence will be greatly impacted by this decision. Reproductive coercion is a common tactic of domestic violence, and pregnancy a possible outcome of sexual assault. We know that fear and misinformation about people’s rights in Oregon will no doubt impact our most marginalized survivors’ ability to access care. In addition, as a state with more reproductive rights than many in the nation now, we expect to see people seeking care from out of state – some of whom will be survivors, all of whom deserve kind and compassionate support.

We are not likely to lose our right to safe abortions any time soon. It remains legal in Oregon with no limits on waiting periods or how far along pregnancy is (though this may vary between providers). Click here to learn more about Oregon’s laws and for information on resources. Oregonians cannot forget that the consequences of overturning Roe V. Wade and Casey will be felt here. Leaders and laws can always change for better or for worse. This is the time to be proactive in your support of survivors. Support and follow the work of reproductive justice organizations like Planned Parenthood. Want your money to help people needing abortions right now? The Reproductive Health Equity Fund through Seeding Justice is a fund to support providers and those most impacted by gaps in healthcare access. Click here to learn more about how to support those seeking abortions out of state.

We are disappointed the overturning of legalized safe abortion access. This decision comes during a time when many of us are tired and our fight is one against persisting centuries old systems, and at times it feels insurmountable- but it is not. We have power. Each and every one of us have power in our bodies and in our communities. Collectively, we have enough power to change systems that continue to harm our communities. Never stop using your voice to demand change. Speak to your legislators, tweet to your networks, and speak to the people close to you about standing up for the right to bodily autonomy. Our member programs, as always, are welcome to reach out to us with any questions they have or support they may need. We are here for advocates as they are here for Oregon’s survivors.

In Community,