John,

This is the moment most of us have been dreading. A leaked draft opinion from the new conservative majority on the US Supreme Court would overturn Roe v. Wade – nearly a half century after the same court declared abortion a federal constitutional right.

I was a law student at the U of O when Roe was decided — and my sister students and I breathed a big sigh of relief that we'd never again have to worry about the dangers of back-alley abortions.

This new ruling feels like turning back the clock. If we didn't know better, we'd just go back to sleep and chalk it up to a very bad dream! But we can't…

Justice Alito’s opinion is stomach-churning. This is a justice of the highest court in the land who has been salivating for years to be able to be in the majority and overturn Roe. Indeed, his opinion literally turns the legal principle of stare decisis (respect for precedent) on its head.

Just one example of many: It says the "moral issue" of abortion is up to politicians – not the person who is pregnant, their family or even their doctor. That's absurd — as well as deeply immoral!

Then, too, it’s foolish — and disingenuous — for the majority of the Court to believe banning abortion will stop abortion from happening. It only makes it more dangerous – especially for low-income and people of color who will suffer disproportionately from this irresponsible and cruel decision.

We must act now to change course by focusing our efforts on electing pro-choice candidates for all offices, up and down the ballot, in every state. Elections matter, and they are just around the corner.

In addition to electing strong Democratic leaders in Oregon, I will be helping keep our incumbent Democratic AGs in states like Nevada, Wisconsin and Michigan and hoping to replace Republican AGs in Georgia, Arizona, and even Texas, with progressive Democrats.

Please make a contribution now to local abortion funds through the National Network of Abortion Funds to support vulnerable people seeking abortions across the country:

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/fundabortionnow

This decision is unfair, unsafe and incredibly harmful to our people. And we have to wonder… what fundamental rights will be curtailed next?

We know that abortion care is always urgent care. As I have done for the past ten years, I will continue to fight both locally and nationally for reproductive freedom and access to abortion for all – wherever and whenever they need it.

As your AG, I promise you this: Abortion will remain safe, legal and accessible in Oregon. And, our borders will always be open to those in need.

Ellen