Basic Rights Oregon Responds to Supreme Court Overturning Roe v. Wade

On June 24, 2022, in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Clinic, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 case that ensured abortion rights across the country. Now, abortion legality and access will be determined on a state-by-state basis.

LGBTQ2SIA+ Oregonians are understandably concerned about what this Supreme Court decision could mean for other rights our community holds dear. We recognize the pain and uncertainty that comes with this decision, and share it with you.

Here is a Basic Rights Oregon FAQ on the Dobbs decision, what it means for LGBTQ2SIA+ rights, and what Oregon advocates are doing to counteract it.

Statement from Basic Rights Oregon Executive Director Nancy Haque (she/her):

“Today’s Supreme Court ruling is devastating to LGBTQ2SIA+ people on multiple levels. Our community already faces unique challenges to accessing abortion, reproductive health services and gender-affirming healthcare. Overturning Roe will only worsen those barriers for queer and trans people across the country. 

This ruling also reflects how out-of-touch and oppressive the Supreme Court has become. It portends the possible rolling back of other hard-won federal rights we hold dear, including marriage equality, transgender healthcare rights, and anti-discrimination laws. 

As crushing as today’s ruling is, it’s important to know that in Oregon, our rights are not in immediate danger. LGBTQ2SIA+ Oregonians have the same rights today that they had yesterday. Basic Rights Oregon, our partner organizations, and our advocates in state government are working to ensure that remains true regardless of any Supreme Court ruling. That includes working with the Oregon legislature’s Reproductive Health and Access to Care Work Group.”