PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Amid efforts by the Trump administration to strip Medicaid funds from Planned Parenthood, Democratic Oregon lawmakers unveiled a plan on Friday to maintain abortion access in the state.

Oregon House Democrats announced they will form a workgroup ahead of the 2026 legislative session that will look at policy and funding options to ensure abortion access in Oregon and will look for ways to protect doctors who provide abortion care if “anti-abortion states” try to prosecute them, the lawmakers explained.

After the workgroup concludes, members will present their findings and recommendations for protecting abortion access in Oregon to consider for the 2026 legislative session.

The workgroup comes as the federal budget — under House Resolution 1 — threatens to pull Medicaid funding from Planned Parenthood and after an appeals court ruling on Thursday allows the Trump administration to block funds for Planned Parenthood to treat Medicaid patients while legal challenges continue, as reported by the Associated Press.

The workgroup will include House members such as Majority Leader Ben Bowman (D-Tigard, Metzger, S Beaverton), Rep. Andrea Valderrama (D-Outer East Portland), Rep. April Dobson (D-Happy Valley, N Clackamas County) and Rep. Sue Rieke-Smith (D-Wilsonville, Sherwood, King City).

Senate members include Sen. Deb Patterson (D-Salem) and Sen. Wlnsvey Campos (D-Beaverton, Aloha). Affiliates with Oregon Planned Parenthood will also be part of the group, House Democrats said.

“The Trump Administration and the Republican Party are trying to strip away access to abortion. We will not let that happen in Oregon,” said House Majority Leader Bowman. “Planned Parenthood is a critical provider of health care in this state and we will fight to protect them from these attacks.”

“By ending Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood, the Trump Administration is once again targeting the poorest and most vulnerable among us,” added Sen. Campos “Planned Parenthood centers provide crucial healthcare services to millions of people across the country and across the political spectrum, and should not be penalized for meeting the needs of patients.”

“Access to abortion and gender-affirming care are fundamental rights,” said Representative Andrea Valderrama (D-Outer East Portland). “Our state has a responsibility to safeguard these rights for all patients and ensure doctors get the resources they need to provide comprehensive reproductive healthcare services.“

KOIN 6 News reached out to a spokesperson for the Republican House and Senate Offices. This story will be updated if we receive a response.

The announcement from House Democrats comes after Planned Parenthood of Oregon released a statement following the appeals court’s move to block Medicaid funds — calling it a “devastating blow,” for patient freedom to choose their medical providers and access services such as cancer screenings, STI testing and treatment, birth control and abortion.

In a joint statement, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette Dr. Sara Kennedy and Amy Handler, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Southwestern Oregon, said, “We are deeply disappointed that the court has allowed this harmful and unconstitutional law to go back into effect — once again, blocking Planned Parenthood health centers from receiving Medicaid reimbursement for the essential care we provide.”

The Planned Parenthood affiliate leaders added, “Despite this setback, our doors remain open. Planned Parenthood health centers across Oregon continue to provide high-quality, preventative health care to all patients, including 70% of our patients who rely on Medicaid for care. We are actively evaluating all available legal and funding avenues, and working closely with state leaders and the Oregon Attorney General’s office to protect access to health care for the thousands of Oregonians who rely on us every day.”