2007 Session of the
When the session convened in January we expected it to be a bad session for life issues, due to the political make up of the Legislature and Legislative leadership. Fortunately, the 2007 session ended without any major setbacks for the pro-life cause. It is disappointing that we were not able to advance any pro-life legislation, however we are thankful that we were able to stop the most damaging bills.
These amazing victories would not have been possible without the hundreds of phone calls and e-mails by the pro-life community. You persistently spoke the truth and it worked!
Below is a list of the key bills and their status at the close of session.
HB 2801: This bill would have set up the framework for taxpayer funded cloning and embryonic stem cell research in
SB 776: This bill would have initiated government investigations of pregnancy resource centers. It was introduced at the request of Planned Parenthood and NARAL. No action was taken on this bill and it died in committee.
HB 2082: This bill puts further restrictions on the state’s citizen initiative process, making it harder for citizen groups, like Oregon Right to Life, to successfully get a measure on the ballot. Despite substantial bipartisan objections from citizen groups this bill passed both houses on strict party line votes and the Governor is expected to sign it.
SJR 36: A Constitutional amendment dealing with privacy that would have enshrined abortion rights into
HB 3272: Unborn Victims of Violence. An attempt to withdraw this bill from committee and force a vote on it failed by one vote. All Republicans and one Democrat (Rep. Betty Komp) voted in favor. Died in committee.
HB 3234: Parental Notification. Died in committee.
HB 2662: Cloning Ban. Died in committee.
HB 3281: Abortion clinic regulations. Died in committee.
HB 3275: Fetal Pain Awareness. Died in committee.
HB 3415: Informed Consent. Died in committee.
HJR 18: A Constitutional amendment that would have put a right to health care in the Oregon Constitution, it included coverage of abortion and assisted-suicide. It passed the House with all Democrats and one Republican (Rep. Bob Jenson) voting in favor. It died in a Senate committee.
HB 3272 – Unborn Victims of Violence
Bill Summary: Expands criminal homicide to include causing death of unborn child. Provides exception for lawful abortions and acts committed by pregnant woman. Creates crime of assault of unborn child. Punishes by maximum of 10 years imprisonment, $250,000 fine, or both.
HB 3281 – Authorizing Abortion Clinic Regulations
Bill Summary:Includes medical facility operated substantially for purpose of performing abortions in definition of ambulatory surgical center.
Legislative Action Taken:
HB 3415 – Women’s Right to Know
Bill Summary:Requires information to be given to pregnant female 24 hours prior to abortion. Specifies information health care provider must provide to obtain informed consent. Requires Department of Human
Services to provide information about assistance services, abortion procedures, medical risks and fetal development and viability. Requires health care providers to report to Center for Health Statistics on compliance with Act. Requires reporting of induced termination of pregnancies as fetal deaths. Requires Director of Human Services to impose civil penalty on person who willfully fails to comply with Act. Prohibits Center for Health Statistics from disclosing identity of health care provider without provider’s consent. Authorizes Speaker of House of Representatives and President of Senate to appoint members of Legislative Assembly to intervene in action challenging validity of Act.
Legislative Action Taken:
HB 3275 – Unborn Pain Awareness
Bill Summary:Requires physicians to inform pregnant females considering abortion about fetal pain and to report on abortions performed. Requires Department of Human Services to publish information about fetal pain. Authorizes Center for Health Statistics to adopt rules to facilitate physician reporting. Authorizes private action for damages for violation of information requirements of Act. Requires physicians to report to center on compliance with Act. Requires reporting of induced terminations of pregnancies as fetal deaths. Permits Speaker of House of Representatives and President of Senate to appoint sponsor of Act to intervene in action challenging validity of Act.
Creates crime of unlawful abortion reporting. Punishes by maximum 30 days imprisonment, $1,250 fine, or both.
