State Abortion Laws in Oregon

1. How accessible is abortion in Oregon?


In Oregon, abortion is highly accessible. Oregon is one of the most progressive states in the country in terms of abortion access. There are no special restrictions, such as parental involvement or a waiting period, to obtaining an abortion. Abortion is available without delay or restriction up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. After 24 weeks, an abortion can be provided if it is necessary to preserve the life or health of the pregnant person.

2. What is the legal gestational limit for abortion in Oregon?


In Oregon, the legal gestational limit for abortion is 24 weeks.

3. Does Oregon require parental involvement for minors seeking an abortion?


No, Oregon does not require parental involvement for minors seeking an abortion.

4. Does Oregon mandate waiting periods before an abortion?


Yes, Oregon does mandate a waiting period before an abortion. According to Oregon law, women must wait at least 24 hours after consulting with a health care provider before they can have an abortion.

5. Does Oregon require the disclosure of any information prior to an abortion?


Yes. Oregon requires that prior to an abortion, a woman must receive certain information, including the potential risks and complications associated with the procedure, the stage of fetal development, and information about alternatives to abortion. In addition, Oregon requires that a woman receive an ultrasound before obtaining an abortion.

6. Does Oregon provide public funding for abortion services?


Yes, Oregon provides public funding for abortion services. The state funds abortion services through the Oregon Health Plan, which provides health care for low-income Oregonians.

7. Are there any exceptions to the gestational limit in Oregon?


Yes, in Oregon there are exceptions to the gestational limit. According to the Oregon Health Authority, “Oregon law allows for abortions after the gestational limit of 24 weeks if the abortion is necessary to preserve the life or physical health of the pregnant woman, or if the fetus has a lethal anomaly.”

8. Can a physician or medical facility refuse to provide abortion services in Oregon?


Yes, a physician or medical facility can refuse to provide abortion services in Oregon. Oregon law states that healthcare providers are not required to provide or participate in abortion services and healthcare facilities and providers are allowed to refuse to participate in abortions due to ethical, moral, or religious beliefs.

9. Are there any laws related to medication or surgical abortions in Oregon?


Yes, there are laws related to medication and surgical abortions in Oregon. Oregon law requires that the medication abortion be administered in accordance with evidence-based national guidelines, as well as the patient must be given the opportunity to sign a consent form acknowledging that they understand the risks and benefits of medication abortion. Additionally, surgical abortions must be performed in a hospital or ambulatory surgical center, and only a physician with appropriate medical privileges may perform the procedure.

10. Is informed consent required by providers before performing an abortion in Oregon?


Yes. In Oregon, all healthcare providers must obtain informed consent from a patient before providing an abortion. This means that the provider must give the patient information about the risks and benefits of the procedure, as well as alternatives, and the patient must sign a consent form stating that they understand and agree to the procedure.

11. Does Oregon allow for the provision of telemedicine abortion services?


Yes, Oregon does allow for the provision of telemedicine abortion services.

12. Are specific medical facilities required to provide abortions in Oregon?


Yes. All medical facilities in Oregon are required to provide abortion services, with some exceptions.

13. Does Oregon have any regulations regarding the provision of post-abortion care?


Yes, Oregon has regulations regarding the provision of post-abortion care. Oregon law requires that all abortion providers provide post-abortion care, including post-abortion counseling, to ensure that women receive adequate follow-up care. Additionally, the Oregon Health Authority requires that providers complete a form detailing the type of post-abortion care they are providing and their plans for follow-up visits.

14. Does Oregon have any restrictions on abortion protestors near clinics or medical facilities providing abortions?


Yes, Oregon has restrictions on abortion protestors near clinics or medical facilities providing abortions. According to the Oregon Health Authority, it is illegal for abortion protestors to harass a patient or staff member within 300 feet of the clinic or facility. Additionally, individuals cannot block or otherwise deny access to the clinic or facility.

15. Can health insurance plans cover abortion services in Oregon?


Yes, health insurance plans in Oregon are required to cover abortion services. Under Oregon law, health benefit plans that cover pregnancy-related services must also cover the costs for medically necessary abortions.

16. Are there any requirements for the disposal of fetal tissue after an abortion in Oregon?


In Oregon, fetal tissue that results from an abortion is treated as any other medical tissue. It must be disposed of according to the Healthcare Hazardous Waste Management Program. The tissue must be treated as a Category A medical waste and must be incinerated, deep-buried, or sent to an approved offsite medical waste treatment facility.

17. How are fetal remains handled after an abortion in Oregon?


In Oregon, fetal remains from an abortion are treated the same as all other medical waste. They must be disposed of in a safe and secure manner, often by incineration. The remains may also be buried in a cemetery of the woman’s choosing or donated for scientific research.

18. Does Oregon recognize gestational and fetal age based on ultrasound measurements?


Yes, Oregon recognizes gestational and fetal age based on ultrasound measurements. Oregon legislation requires that gestational age be determined by a prenatal ultrasound in the first trimester, unless medical contraindications prevent it, or if gestation has been determined before the first trimester by a follow-up ultrasound.

19. Are there any laws related to informed consent for minors seeking an abortion in Oregon?


In Oregon, a minor seeking an abortion must obtain parental or judicial consent. If they are unable to do so, they may go through a procedure known as judicial bypass in order to obtain the necessary permission from a judge.

20. Is there a judicial bypass process to allow minors to obtain an abortion without parental consent in Oregon?


Yes, there is a judicial bypass process for minors to obtain an abortion without parental consent in Oregon. Under Oregon law, minors who are unable to obtain consent from a parent or guardian may petition the court for permission to obtain an abortion. The court will consider the minor’s maturity level, family relationships, and the best interests of the minor in deciding whether to grant permission.