SALEM, Ore. – Oregon Health Authority (OHA) this week published its finalized abortion numbers for 2023, reporting 225 late-term abortions performed last year compared with 85 in 2022 – a 165% increase.
According to the OHA Center for Health Statistics data, providers in Oregon performed 225 abortions at or after 23 weeks gestation (roughly the age of “viability”) last year, more than two and a half times the 85 late-term abortions performed in 2022. At 23 weeks gestation and later, the unborn can feel pain, and many can survive outside the womb if born prematurely. The youngest baby to survive premature birth was born at 21 weeks and one day gestational age.
136 of the late-term abortions performed in Oregon last year were non-surgical “medication” abortions – likely induction abortions. 79 were Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) procedures.
In an induction abortion, providers inject saline, digoxin, or potassium chloride into the fetus or the amniotic sac, causing fetal cardiac arrest. Fetal death typically occurs within 24 hours and is verified with an ultrasound; in some cases, a second injection is necessary to cause fetal death. Labor is induced, and the deceased fetus is delivered vaginally. Sometimes, the fetus survives an induced abortion. Oregon law does not mandate explicit standards of care for babies that are born alive during an abortion. In a dilation and evacuation abortion, the pain-capable fetus is dismembered with metal surgical tools. Providers verify abortion completion by reassembling the body parts.
“The dramatic increase in late-term abortions in Oregon is devastating and horrific,” Oregon Right to Life Executive Director Lois Anderson said. “At 23 weeks gestation and beyond, the unborn human being is well developed. She can hear sounds and begin to identify familiar voices, respond to light, kick, and hiccup. She can feel pain, and with help, she can survive outside the womb.”
“Late-term abortions involve the violent destruction of a developing human being by inducing cardiac arrest or violently tearing her limb from limb,” Anderson continued. “Radical politicians and the abortion lobby want to convince people that late-term abortions don’t happen. The OHA data shows that isn’t true.”
The OHA data indicates that Oregon providers performed a total of 10,075 abortions last year compared to 8,672 in 2022, a 16.2% increase. Abortion tourism also increased dramatically, with 1,661 abortions performed for women who traveled to Oregon from other states—a 60% increase from 2022.
For media inquiries or interviews, please contact ORTL communications director Ashley Sadler at 530-859-1957 or ashley@ortl.org.
