Schools are more than just centers of learning; they are shaping the values and decisions of the next generation. Oregon law mandates comprehensive sexuality education from kindergarten through high school, and organizations like Planned Parenthood are deeply embedded in the curriculum and school-based health services. Students are being guided toward an ideology that normalizes abortion, among other controversial reproductive health services. Additionally, School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs) already operate under limited oversight. Combined with the erosion of parental rights and lack of transparency, there is a real risk that families are left unaware of the medical services their children are receiving.

Though they do not pass laws, school board members have a crucial role in shaping the education our children receive. School boards hire and oversee the superintendent, approve or reject contracts for school-based health centers, guide the vision and priorities of the district, and more. School boards are often bound to laws made at the state level, but by electing pro-life school board members, we can ensure there are voices advocating for parental involvement and transparency in our students’ education and School-Based health care. 

Governor Tina Kotek has outwardly expressed access to abortion and other controversial services like “gender-affirming care” as a core value and has committed to its expansion; this includes in our schools. If pro-life voters fail to engage in school board elections, they risk allowing Oregon’s education system to deepen its alignment with the abortion industry, further sidelining parents and endangering vulnerable students.

For pro-life advocates in Oregon, ignoring a school board election is not an option.