In 2007, Oregonians fought for marriage equality. Today, as the right gains ground, the battles continue. Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer

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In 2023 Oregon House Bill 2002 was hailed as transformative, crucial legislation for protecting the rights of women and LGBTQ+ residents.

The reproductive health care bill protects doctors from prosecution, ensures a patient’s right to abortion at any age without requiring parental notification, and requires insurers to cover gender-affirming care, including surgeries, among other provisions. 

But now, as trust in the Supreme Court is waning, and the US gears up for a pivotal election this November, some of the same organizations who pushed to get HB 2002 passed by the legislature say the work isn’t over.

Courtney Vaughn is the news editor at the Portland Mercury. She appreciates your news tips and musings. Reach out at cvaughn@portlandmercury.com or find her on Bluesky @courtneyvaughn.