'Win and protect our freedoms': Rep. Janelle Bynum rallies for reproductive rights

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Rep. Janelle Bynum, the Democratic candidate for Oregon's 5th district, campaigned on abortion rights, holding a rally in Happy Valley Sunday afternoon.

She was joined by Senator Ron Wyden, who brought up when he first helped approve mifepristone early in his career.

"It's under attack again and it is exactly the same issue," he said. "When I was a kid congressman, the question was whether we're going to put science or politics first. Janelle is going to put people first and science first and not politics"

They both stressed that, even in mostly liberal Oregon, reproductive rights are at stake in the election.

"We're going to - once again - show that Oregon supports reproductive freedom and together we are going to win and protect our freedoms," said Bynum.

She is running against Republican incumbent Lori Chavez DeRemer. The Chavez-DeRemer campaign has also been canvassing this weekend, going door to door.

Savannah Powell, a forensic nurse examiner who spoke at the rally, explained a vote for Bynum is critical in the fight for reproductive rights, especially since maternal mortality rates have skyrocketed in states with restrictive abortion laws.

"Janelle is the only person on that ticket that has fought for our reproductive rights. "Lori Chavez-DeRemer has not," said Powell. "She has continued to vote and support legislation that bans abortion nationwide. And so if we cannot get this seat back, then that's what we're looking at in the future."

There is a big effort underway by both campaigns to get out the vote.

You can see KOIN 6 News host the debate between the two candidates at 7 p.m. Tuesday.