Oregon — On April 14, 2026, U.S. District Judge Mustafa T. Kasubhai issued an oral ruling in the federal case brought by Oregon Right to Life against Oregon’s Reproductive Health Equity Act (RHEA). The judge determined that the 2017 law, which requires health benefit plans to cover abortion and contraception without cost-sharing barriers, cannot be applied to Oregon Right to Life because it violates the organization’s religious freedom rights under the First Amendment.
The ruling addresses the specific application of RHEA to Oregon Right to Life, an anti-abortion advocacy organization that argued the mandate conflicted with its sincerely held religious beliefs. The court has not yet released a written opinion, and no injunction has been issued barring the state from enforcing the law more broadly. The ruling has no immediate effect on reproductive health coverage for Oregonians today. The court has requested additional briefings regarding the scope of any final injunction.
Oregon Right to Life has not issued a public statement on the oral ruling as of this report.
Attorney General Dan Rayfield responded firmly, emphasizing the state’s longstanding commitment to reproductive health access. In an official statement accompanying a graphic from his office, Rayfield declared:
“Access to reproductive health care — including abortion and contraception — is fundamental. For years, Oregon has been a national leader in protecting that access, and the Reproductive Health Equity Act reflects that commitment by ensuring people can get the care they need through their health coverage without barriers or out-of-pocket costs. Our office will use every tool available to the state to defend access to abortion and Oregon’s Reproductive Health Equity Act, including appealing this decision.”
Governor Tina Kotek issued a parallel statement reaffirming the law’s importance:
“The Reproductive Health Equity Act is a cornerstone of Oregon’s commitment to ensuring every Oregonian can access reproductive health care. For nearly a decade, this law has meant that Oregonians with private insurance can get the care they need without cost barriers.
“I was proud to champion the Reproductive Health Equity Act because Oregonians believe health care decisions belong to individuals – not employers, not politicians, and not the courts. At a time when reproductive rights are under attack across the country, Oregon has been a leader and a safe harbor. We are not going to back down now.
“Opponents of Oregon’s landmark protections relied upon [the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Catholic Charities Bureau Inc. v. Wisconsin Labor and Industry Review Commission]. We will continue to fight for Oregon’s values as this case proceeds. We will examine the judge’s ruling once a written opinion is issued and the consequences of that opinion are known.
“My administration will continue to work with Attorney General Rayfield to pursue every legal avenue available to safeguard access to reproductive health care for every Oregonian who depends on it and minimize any impact to Oregon’s protections. I will fight to ensure access to the health care that Oregonians need.”
State officials have indicated that the ruling appears limited in scope at this stage, applying specifically to the religious exemption claim raised by Oregon Right to Life. They intend to review the forthcoming written opinion and pursue appellate options to uphold the broader application of the Reproductive Health Equity Act. Further details regarding the ruling’s implications will become available once the judge issues the formal written decision.
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I’m glad there is still non partisan judges that still make rulings based on law not on feelings! It’s refreshing.