Oregon GOP Walkout Causes Chaos and Job Losses Amidst Abortion Bill Blockade

Oregon Republicans have walked out of the legislative session to block a proposal that would have expanded protections for abortion access and gender-affirming care. The walkout has disqualified 10 of its 13 members from running for reelection next term. Oregon voters overwhelmingly approved Measure 113, a constitutional amendment that declares lawmakers with 10 or more unexcused absences ineligible for reelection. The bill that precipitated the walkout is HB 2002, an effort to codify the protections of Roe, including the ability of minors to obtain an abortion without parental permission, in state law.