Candidate for the Republican nomination for Governor Christine Drazan at an election night party at Willamette Valley Country Club in Canby, Ore., May 17, 2022.
Kristian Foden-Vencil / OPB
Editor’s Note: After the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned the abortion protections written into Roe v. Wade, OPB reached out to the three leading candidates to become Oregon’s next governor to see where they fall on the issues. Here are Republican Christine Drazan’s responses to our written questions:
Would you have vetoed the 2017 Oregon law codifying the right to an abortion?
I would have vetoed legislation which would put Oregon further outside the mainstream on abortion policies, including taxpayer funding for abortion and abortion on demand up until the moment of birth.
If elected governor, would you veto budgets that allocated money to organizations that advocate for abortion access?
My concern is with how the money is used, not with the organizations themselves. I am committed to examining every budget that reaches my desk to ensure it is being used to serve Oregonians and not simply advancing a political agenda.
Would you have a litmus tests for judges, ensuring they favor abortion restrictions?
I do not believe in any litmus test other than whether a potential judge is committed to upholding both the U.S. and Oregon Constitutions.
If elected governor, would you pursue legal or other action against people from other states who come to Oregon for an abortion?
No. As governor, I would follow existing law.
Would you support legislation banning abortion in Oregon? If so, any details or exceptions would be helpful.
I will not comment on legislation that has not reached my desk nor even been drafted yet, but I support common-sense regulations on abortion, including protecting life in the third trimester.
What does a post Roe v. Wade Oregon look like under a Drazan governorship?
Roe is codified into Oregon law. Regardless of my personal opinions on abortion, as governor, I will follow the law. My administration will be focused on the issues Oregonians care most about: fixing our schools, addressing the crisis in the streets, and making our state a more affordable place to live and raise a family.
Are you opposed to same-sex marriage?
No.
As governor, if future U.S. Supreme Court rulings reverse the legalization of gay marriage nationally, would you support legislation locally to do the same?
No.
What is your position on gender-affirming care?
Patients should have to access health care services that address their individual needs.