WHEREAS, the State of Oregon has consistently affirmed the right to access reproductive healthcare, including abortion, as a fundamental human right, and has protected this right through its laws and policies; and
WHEREAS, some states have enacted laws criminalizing abortion and related support, including actions by healthcare providers, advocates, and others assisting individuals seeking or obtaining abortion care; and
WHEREAS, such laws often have extraterritorial implications, targeting individuals who have been indicted or convicted of abortion-related activities in another state and have sought refuge in Oregon to avoid prosecution or punishment; and
WHEREAS, the enforcement of these laws through extradition requests undermines Oregon’s commitment to reproductive freedom and state sovereignty, threatening the rights and safety of those acting lawfully under Oregon law; and
WHEREAS, in 2023, Oregon enacted House Bill 2002, establishing a shield law to protect individuals involved in providing or receiving abortion and gender-affirming care within the state. However, the law does not protect individuals who provide abortion-related care in other states; and
WHEREAS, Article IV, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, and 18 U.S.C. § 3182 provides the federal framework for extradition but does not compel states to enforce laws that contravene their public policy.
NOW THEREFORE, THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF OREGON RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1: That the Democratic Party of Oregon calls on the Oregon Legislature to pass the SHARE Act which establishes a legislative framework denying extradition requests for abortion-related activities that are lawful in Oregon and ensures that such decisions are subject to legislative committee review.
SECTION 2: That such legislation should also provide protections against subpoenas, investigations, and other legal actions originating from states that have criminalized abortion, ensuring the safety and autonomy of healthcare providers, advocates, and supporters within Oregon.
SECTION 3: That the Democratic Party of Oregon reaffirms its commitment to defending reproductive freedom and urges state leaders to continue advancing policies that protect individuals from unjust legal actions related to abortion care and support.
Resolution submitted by Dan Isaacson, Lane County; Gerry Rempel, Lane County; Ellie Josephson, Young Democrats Caucus; Mike Koivula, Lane County; Miles Pendleton, Lane County; Kien Truong, DNC Member; Cindy Smith, Multnomah County; Lisa Cejka, Womxns Caucus; Ernie Yagger, Polk County; Randy Knop, Union County; Mike Gardner, Clackamas County; Peter Chastain, Lake County; Jeff Denny, Clatsop County; KC Hanson, Stonewall Caucus; Andrew Rosales, Douglas County; Margaret Foley, Multnomah County; Kathy Paspalis, Multnomah County; Linda Williams, Polk County; Richard Owens, Jackson County; Bret Cecil, Curry County; Michael Smith, Multnomah County
Forwarded to the SCC by the Platform and Resolutions Committee with a “Do Pass” Recommendation
