Oregon lawmakers OK controversial reproductive health bill

On Wednesday, the Oregon Senate passed a new reproductive health care bill that’s stoking some new debate on a very controversial topic: abortion.

That’s because the bill requires insurers to cover reproductive health care, including abortions.

The reproductive health measure — which may be referred to voters next year — will give preventative care to all, regardless of income, citizenship status or gender identity.

The executive director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon, Mary Nolan, said Thursday she believes this is something that is vital for people to live successful lives.

“It benefits people’s opportunities to really achieve the American dream.” Nolan said. “To be able to take care of themselves, to pursue educational opportunities, to care for children they may already be caring for, to lead a prosperous, self-empowered life.”

State Sen. Tim Knopp, R-Bend, said he believes that the bill has a lot of good in it, but the reproductive health care portion of the bill should not be forced upon companies.

“Clearly, we agree that they should be required to pay for issues related to women’s health care,” Knopp said. “But when it comes to abortion, we are in opposition when it comes to forcing people to pay for abortion on demand and abortions that are not necessary.”

T he bill gives nearly $500,000 over the next two years to expand reproductive care and is currently on Gov. Brown’s desk to be signed into law.

David Kilada, political director of Oregon Right to Life, said the measure will lead to an increase in abortions.

The bill requires insurance companies – or the state – to cover abortions at no cost to the patient. Gov. Kate Brown is expected to sign it into law.

Under the measure, people who have no U.S. insurance, including those in the country illegally, will be able to have costs paid by the state’s Medicaid program.

Oregon already had some of the most liberal abortion laws in the country.

Supporters say the latest measure was introduced in response to federal attempts to curtail reproductive services.

(The Associated Press contributed to this story)