Pro-Life

“In 1969, Oregon became the first state to legalize abortion, and in 1994, the first government in the world to legalize physician–assisted suicide. Currently, there are no restrictions on abortion in Oregon, and taxpayer dollars fund both abortion and assisted suicide. The Oregon Family Council affirms that all individuals — regardless of their size or age — are valuable and have a right to live. Furthermore, we are committed to encouraging a culture of life in the state of Oregon.”

Abortion

In Oregon, an average of 32 abortions are performed every day. Oregon is one of two states where there are no laws restricting abortion. A baby may be aborted for any reason — inconvenience, imperfections, or simply the wrong sex — at any time during pregnancy. It is still legal for young girls to obtain an abortion without a parent even being notified.

Many women cite concerns over continuing their education, or providing for basic needs as key factors in deciding to abort their unborn child. As an organization, the Oregon Family Council is proud to support the work of organizations that meet the needs of pregnant women, and make it possible for them to continue their pregnancies.

Assisted Suicide

On November 8, 1994, Oregon became the first government in the world to legalize physician–assisted suicide. Since that moment, physician–assisted suicide has called into question a doctor´s role as healer, and is undermining the value of human life. Legalized assisted suicide creates no safeguards or boundaries for those who are most vulnerable, namely those who are nearing the end of their life.

“Many studies show that assisted suicide requests are almost always for psychological or social reasons. In Oregon there has never been any documented case of assisted suicide used because there was actual untreatable pain. As such, assisted suicide has been totally unnecessary in Oregon.”
— Dr. William Toffler, National Director of the Physicians for Compassionate Care Education Foundation

Both the American Medical Association and the American College of Physicians oppose assisted suicide.

Taxpayer Contribution

Every year millions of Oregon’s tax dollars go to fund abortion and physician–assisted suicide. In 1981, a state court of appeals ruling required the state to fund “medically necessary” procedures. “Medically necessary” was defined during Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton as “…exercised in light of all factors — physical, emotional, psychological, familial, and the women’s age relevant to the well being of the patient…” Since then more than one in every four Oregon abortions has and is being paid for by state tax dollars. In 1998, assisted suicide also became publicly funded by being included as part of the services provided under the Oregon Health Plan.