The Democratic Attorneys General Association announced Monday that starting in 2020, they'll only endorse candidates who publicly commit to protect reproductive rights and support access to abortion. It's the first national party campaign committee to impose a strict abortion litmus test on candidates.
The new rules outlined by the association mean it will only financially aid candidates who support the right to access abortions.
In 2020, there are 12 attorneys general seats up for election, including in Oregon, where Ellen Rosenblum is seeking a third term.
Related: Federal Judge To Block New Trump Administration Rules On Abortion Funding
“As the battle for reproductive rights unfolds at the ballot box, in statehouses, and courtrooms across this country, there is no group of elected officials better positioned to lead the fight for our rights than state attorneys general,” Rosenblum said in a statement. “That is why electing Democratic AGs who are committed to protecting reproductive freedom, especially for the most vulnerable communities, has never been more important.”
Rosenblum co-chairs the Democratic Attorney General Association and has fought the Trump administration's efforts to rollback abortion restrictions.
In April, a federal judge in Portland put White House-backed Title X rules on hold after Oregon, 19 states and the District of Columbia sued.
The rules require a physical separation between Title X-funded programs and facilities where abortions are performed. They also prohibit organizations that received Title X money from referring clients for abortions.
Currently, federal dollars can’t be used to fund abortions. But providers, such as Planned Parenthood, have argued the new rules will force them to stop providing necessary services in states like Oregon.
Rosenblum led the coalition against the new rules, which largely would have affected low-income households. Despite the initial April court victory, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals later allowed the new rules to go into effect while the case brought by Rosenblum's coalition progressed. The court heard arguments in September, but hasn't yet issued an opinion.
In August, Planned Parenthood left the Title X program, rather than comply with the news rules, forgoing about $60 million.