Trump and Congressional Republicans Pass Backdoor Abortion Ban in the Reconciliation Bill

PORTLAND, OREGON — Today, President Trump signed the budget reconciliation bill that “defunds” Planned Parenthood. This is a backdoor abortion ban that will put health care for 1.1 million patients at risk and could force nearly 200 health centers to close across the country.  

In response, Christopher Coburn, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Action Oregon, issued the following statement: 

“President Trump and Congressional Republicans have shown their true colors. They said that they would not support a national abortion ban, and then proceeded to defund Planned Parenthood affiliates, who provide abortion care and life-saving cancer screenings, birth control, STI testing and treatment and so much more. They passed a backdoor abortion ban, while also cutting Medicaid coverage for millions of Americans. This bill is cruel and will hurt our most vulnerable communities.” 

“We are grateful to Senators Wyden and Merkley, as well as Congresswomen Bonamici, Bynum, Dexter, Hoyle, and Salinas, who all fought tirelessly and voted to defend the health and well-being of Oregonians. They understand that Planned Parenthood health centers play an irreplaceable role in the public health system in our state as well as the devastation this bill will cause.” 

Because President Trump and Congressional Republicans voted to “defund” Planned Parenthood, cancers will go undetected, STIs will go untreated, and patients won’t get the birth control or abortion care they need. In Oregon, 70% of Planned Parenthood patients rely on Medicaid for their care, and for many, Planned Parenthood is their only health care provider. Simply put, President Trump and Congressional Republicans have weaponized the reconciliation process to limit reproductive health care and attack abortion access. 

Sara Kennedy, CEO of Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette, issued the following statement: 

“President Trump and Congressional Republicans have made it harder for people to access health care. They are forcing Planned Parenthood affiliates out of the Medicaid program. This is cruel and will devastate access to care across the country. We know that other health care providers across the state cannot adequately replace our health services. Despite Planned Parenthood being unfairly targeted by this bill, Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette will continue to be here for our communities, as we have been for 60 years.” 

Kate Shadoan, Interim CEO of Planned Parenthood Southwestern Oregon, issued the following statement:  

“Our doors remain open. Planned Parenthood Southwestern Oregon health centers are committed to providing essential sexual and reproductive health services, including abortion care, amid politically motivated attacks. We will never stop fighting for our patients. We are here to care for you. No matter what.”  

Following the House vote, Planned Parenthood Federation of America announced plans to take the Trump administration to court over the provision “defunding” Planned Parenthood health centers.  Planned Parenthood Action Oregon will continue to work alongside elected officials and local partners to fight against these ongoing attacks on sexual and reproductive health care access.   

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Planned Parenthood Action Oregon is a nonprofit 501(c)(4) advocacy organization dedicated to advancing reproductive justice, protecting reproductive rights, and safeguarding access to abortion in Oregon. As the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Columbia Willamette and Planned Parenthood of Southwestern Oregon, PPAO works to support and defend the essential health care provided by Planned Parenthood health centers. Through legislative advocacy, public education, and engagement with policymakers, PPAO promotes policies that protect the health, rights, and dignity of all Oregonians.