Oregon Democrats Block Bill to Protect Infants Surviving Abortions
Oregon Democrats blocked a bill last week that aimed to ensure medical care for infants born alive after failed abortions, drawing criticism from pro-life advocates and raising questions about the state’s commitment to protecting newborns.
House Bill 4087, the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act, was stalled in the House Committee on Health Care after a procedural vote, leaving the legislation without a clear path forward.
The proposed law would have required any healthcare provider present at the birth of an infant surviving an abortion to deliver the same standard of care that would be given to a newborn of similar gestational age.
It also mandated hospital transfer if the infant was delivered outside a medical facility.
The committee vote split largely along party lines, with 34 Democrats opposing the measure and 22 Republicans supporting it.
Among those voting against HB 4087 was Rep. Cyrus Javadi, who switched from Republican to Democrat in 2025 after previously sponsoring similar legislation, Right Now Oregon reported.
During the committee session, Rep. Court Boice (R-Gold Beach) presented testimony from Amy Miles, an abortion survivor born at 28 weeks in Ashland, Oregon, during a procedure intended to end her life.
Now a mother and advocate, Miles shared her story to highlight the risks facing infants who survive abortions and to urge lawmakers to ensure they receive lifesaving care.
“It is deeply troubling that state lawmakers would block a measure establishing basic protections for infants born alive,” said Oregon Right to Life Executive Director Lois Anderson. “Providing standards of care for these newborns is a reasonable expectation and should not be controversial.”
House Bill 4087, the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act, was stalled in the House Committee on Health Care after a procedural vote, leaving the legislation without a clear path forward.
The proposed law would have required any healthcare provider present at the birth of an infant surviving an abortion to deliver the same standard of care that would be given to a newborn of similar gestational age.
It also mandated hospital transfer if the infant was delivered outside a medical facility.
The committee vote split largely along party lines, with 34 Democrats opposing the measure and 22 Republicans supporting it.
Among those voting against HB 4087 was Rep. Cyrus Javadi, who switched from Republican to Democrat in 2025 after previously sponsoring similar legislation, Right Now Oregon reported.
During the committee session, Rep. Court Boice (R-Gold Beach) presented testimony from Amy Miles, an abortion survivor born at 28 weeks in Ashland, Oregon, during a procedure intended to end her life.
Now a mother and advocate, Miles shared her story to highlight the risks facing infants who survive abortions and to urge lawmakers to ensure they receive lifesaving care.
“It is deeply troubling that state lawmakers would block a measure establishing basic protections for infants born alive,” said Oregon Right to Life Executive Director Lois Anderson. “Providing standards of care for these newborns is a reasonable expectation and should not be controversial.”
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