Executive Orders Defy Oregon Law and Threaten Access to Gender Affirming Care
These executive orders are a direct attack on the dignity and humanity of transgender and gender-diverse people. While Oregon law remains steadfast, these actions are meant to incite fear and confusion for patients and for healthcare providers.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Portland, OR — Recent executive orders targeting access to gender-affirming care nationwide represent a dangerous and deeply troubling escalation in the erosion of healthcare rights for transgender and gender-diverse individuals. These actions directly contradict Oregon state law, which has protected access to medically necessary gender-affirming care for all its residents since January 1, 2024, through the passage of Oregon House Bill 2002.
At Prism Health, Oregon’s first nonprofit health center dedicated to serving the LGBTQ+ community and all those seeking compassionate care, we know that gender-affirming healthcare is lifesaving. It is supported by decades of research and the consensus of major medical organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics. These new executive orders not only disregard medical science but also threaten the well-being of some of our most vulnerable populations.
“Oregon has been a leader in protecting access to healthcare for all, including gender-affirming care. These executive orders are a direct attack on the dignity and humanity of transgender and gender-diverse people. While Oregon law remains steadfast, these actions are meant to incite fear and confusion for patients and for healthcare providers.”
Carrie Samuels, Deputy Chief Programs & Strategy Officer at Cascade AIDS Project
Prism Health reaffirms its commitment to providing inclusive, affirming, and comprehensive healthcare for the LGBTQ+ community. We stand with our patients, staff, and community members impacted by these discriminatory and unconstitutional actions.
What This Means for Oregonians
Oregon Protections Remain in Place: Oregon law protects access to gender-affirming care irrespective of age, and Prism Health is committed to providing these essential services without interruption.
Support for the LGBTQ+ Community: Prism Health offers a safe and affirming space for anyone seeking care, regardless of national trends or political developments.
Advocacy for Equality: We urge policymakers to honor the principles of equality and evidence-based care by rejecting measures that harm the LGBTQ+ community.
Prism Health calls on allies, advocates, and elected officials to stand firm in defense of gender-affirming care and the rights of transgender and gender-diverse individuals. Together, we can resist efforts to undermine the progress Oregon has made in fostering a more equitable healthcare system.
For Questions or Media Inquiries, please contact
Dustin Vance
Marketing & Communications Manager
email: comms@capnw.org
phone: 503.278.3854
About Cascade AIDS Project
Founded in 1983 and incorporated in 1985 as Cascade AIDS Project, CAP is the oldest and largest community-based provider of HIV services, housing, education and advocacy in Oregon and Southwest Washington. We work to advance equity and access through inclusive health and wellness services for LGBTQ+ people, people affected by HIV, and all those seeking compassionate care. From Prism Health, our primary care and behavioral health clinics, to Our House, our long-term residential care facility for those living with HIV, we are proud to provide comprehensive programs that meet the individual care needs of our community. To learn more about CAP, please visit www.capnw.org.
About Prism Health
Prism Health, a program of Cascade AIDS Project, is Oregon’s first and largest health center specifically dedicated to serving the LGBTQ+ community. With to clinic locations in Portland, Prism Health provides comprehensive, compassionate, and affirming healthcare services, including primary care, behavioral health, and gender-affirming care. Learn more at prismhealth.org.
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