Lawmakers in Oregon have approved legislation aimed at protecting funding for Planned Parenthood clinics if federal Medicaid reimbursements are blocked.
House Bill 4127 has passed the state legislature with support from 34 representatives and is now awaiting the signature of Tina Kotek.
If signed into law, the bill would allow the state to step in with financial support to maintain services at Planned Parenthood clinics across Oregon should federal Medicaid funding be restricted.
According to officials with Planned Parenthood of Southwestern Oregon, clinics in the region saw nearly 100,000 patient visits last year, with more than half of those patients relying on Medicaid coverage.
Amy Handler, president and CEO of the organization, said the legislation would help ensure that clinics remain open and accessible to both existing and new patients seeking care.
Supporters say the bill would help preserve access to services such as cervical cancer screenings, birth control, vaccines and treatment for sexually transmitted infections.
State Rep. Lisa Fragala said the measure reflects Oregon’s longstanding commitment to protecting access to reproductive health care.
The legislation is intended to ensure that if federal funding is interrupted, the state can continue supporting clinics so residents do not lose access to essential medical services. If signed by the governor, the measure could also serve as a model for similar policies in other states.
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