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.”
Oregon allows elective abortions up to the point of birth and permits minors as young as 15 to obtain the procedure without parental consent.
State Democrats recently partnered with Planned Parenthood to safeguard abortion access, including a $7.5 million allocation to offset Medicaid shortfalls, according to LifeSite News.
Pro-life advocates argue that infants surviving abortion procedures face serious risks due to gaps in federal and state law.
The federal Born-Alive Infants Protection Act of 2002 recognizes such children as persons but does not establish enforceable care requirements or penalties for neglect.
Only 18 states currently have legislation specifying medical care for these infants.
Estimates suggest that roughly 1,700 infants survive abortions annually in the U.S., based on extrapolated Canadian data, while nine states with reporting requirements documented 275 cases between 2018 and 2024.
Pro-life groups and former abortion industry workers have testified that neglect and fatal outcomes occur in some instances, highlighting the urgent need for explicit legal protections.
HB 4087 remains in committee, and without further action, it cannot reach the House floor.
Advocates note that public opinion strongly favors safeguards for infants surviving abortion attempts, with surveys indicating that 80% of Oregonians support legislation requiring care.
The debate over HB 4087 highlights a larger national discussion on abortion, legal protections for newborns, and the responsibilities of medical professionals when life begins in extraordinary circumstances.
Pro-life groups continue to press lawmakers for clear standards that prioritize the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable.
