Endangering Teens in Oregon

Current Oregon law explicitly allows teens 15 and older to consent to medical treatment without parental involvement.  However, the doctor may contact a parent if he or she believes it’s in the best interest of the patient to do so.   Studies show that most parents are involved in their daughters' abortion decisions.  Teens who don’t confide in their parents often have good reason to seek confidential health care.   The reality is that some teens are not able to confide in a parent for a number of serious reasons, including sexual, emotional, or physical abuse.   

Measure 43 contains no exception for cases of rape or incest. The only alternative for an abused teen is to plead her case to an administrative law judge from the Oregon Department of Human Services, a bureaucratic state agency that is already stretched too thin. This system would be difficult for anyone to navigate, and it may be impossible for a troubled teen to do so.

Medical professionals in Oregon — including the Oregon Medical Association, Oregon Nurses Association, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Oregon — are overwhelmingly opposed to Measure 43.  In addition to hindering teens’ access to health care, the law could result in doctors losing their medical licenses if they cannot verify that a parent has been properly notified about a minor’s intent to have an abortion. 

Government cannot mandate family communication through a ballot measure.   Proponents of Measure 43 claim that the law is about parental rights, but it seems the real objective is to block teens from safe, legal medical care. 

What You Can Do

Polling has indicated that Measure 43 has a good chance of passing.  Oregon residents can help stop the measure by pledging to VOTE NO on Measure 43 on November 7. Similar laws have been passed across the country, and a similar bill is on the November ballot in California.  Supporters nationwide can donate, and help raise funds and awareness.