PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Oregon gubernatorial candidates are reacting to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to end abortion as a federal constitutional right.
Christine Drazan
The Republican nominee for governor released a statement Friday morning:
“Despite the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision, Oregon will continue to have among the most extreme abortion laws in the country and around the world. As governor, I will stand up for life by vetoing legislation designed to push Oregon further outside the mainstream.”
Drazen’s campaign would not respond to our requests to clarify her stance on limiting access to abortion.
Betsy Johnson
The unaffiliated candidate for Oregon governor also released a statement Friday morning:
“I am pro-choice. This is a bedrock issue for me, and frankly, for Oregon. A fundamental right. As Oregon’s independent governor, I will always defend and protect a woman’s right to choose.”
Tina Kotek
The Democratic nominee for governor released a statement on Friday morning as well, in addition to making time for an on-camera interview with KOIN 6 News.
“Our right to control our own bodies and futures has been gutted. I’m furious,” Kotek said. “I’m deeply concerned for women around the country.”
“Here is what I want Oregonians to know right now: Abortion access is protected here in Oregon, I made sure of that. As House Speaker, I worked to pass the nation’s strongest reproductive health law, ensuring that abortion access would be protected here, no matter what the Supreme Court decides. As your Governor, and the only candidate with the support of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon, Pro-Choice Oregon and The Mother PAC, I will stand up to fight for reproductive freedom. That’s a promise.
“Make no mistake: reproductive freedom is on the ballot in Oregon this year. Republican candidate Christine Drazan supported a measure to block funding for abortion access and sponsored legislation to criminalize abortion providers. She has even bragged about her long-standing support from anti-abortion extremist group Oregon Right to Life.
Kotek also told KOIN 6 Drazan “proudly talks about her support from extreme groups” such as Oregon Right to Life.
“If she’s our governor, that will be a problem for abortion access in our state,” Kotek stated. “Meanwhile, Betsy Johnson just promoted an anti-choice extremist to run ‘Republicans for Betsy.’ With every flip-flop, it’s becoming clearer that Oregonians simply cannot trust her.
“Today’s decision makes the stakes of Oregon’s race for Governor crystal clear. We can’t let extremists take us backward.”
KOIN reporter Elise Haas made multiple attempts throughout the day to interview Johnson and Drazan either on-camera or over the phone, but both candidates only responded by email.
Reporter Elise Haas contributed to this article.