Several dozen supporters of the national health care law rallied in Portland's Pioneer Courthouse Square on Thursday. They cheered and whooped for the Supreme Court decision upholding most of the Affordable Care Act.
Supporters of health care reform made plans to rally on Thursday, June 28, before they knew how the U.S. Supreme Court would rule.
April Baer / OPB
Some activists at the rally have been involved in health care reform for many years. Members of the group talked about the work that lies ahead - making sure uninsured people understand how to get covered in the new system, lobbying to ensure the people they want are appointed to key advisory boards.
But the word on most peoples' lips was "victory."
"I have two adult sons, a 21 year old and a 25 year old. I had to take the 21 year old to the hospital about three weeks ago because he got in a car accident," said Ron Williams, who heads Oregon Action, a non-profit that lobbies for economic and social justice. "The fact that he's 21 and can still be on my coverage is an important thing."
And Williams says that's because of the health care law.
Women's health groups also were elated for the benefits they won, including a rule that pregnancy can no longer be considered a pre-existing condition.
