By Melanie Henshaw
On 24 June, America’s Supreme Court officially overturned Roe v Wade, a landmark decision reached in 1973 that classed abortion as a constitutional right. In Oregon, as abortion providers prepare for increased need from out-of-state patients, they are also looking to improve access in rural areas, where there are few clinics.
Kenji Nozaki, director of affiliate operations for Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette in Oregon, said Planned Parenthood has been preparing for this eventuality.
“I think our biggest fears are coming true,” Nozaki said. “We are at a crisis moment for abortion access. We anticipate that 26 states could move to ban abortion, which would effectively impact 36 million women plus more people who can become pregnant.”
Street Roots is a Portland, Oregon, US-based weekly alternative newspaper, sold by people who have limited other ways of earning an income.