Oregon Inmate Seeking Abortion Awaits Judge’s Approval

KATU News: Inmate must be stable before judge decides abortion request, by Patrick Preston:  

MCMINNVILLE, Ore. - A pregnant Portland woman jailed in Yamhill County who requested to be temporarily let out of jail to get an abortion is a step closer to getting the procedure.

But on Wednesday, Yamhill County Circuit Court Judge John Collins ordered that Bridget Burkholder, 23, be stabilized at an intensive care facility before he decides whether she can get the abortion.

Burkholder is being held in the Yamhill County Jail while awaiting trial for attempted arson, criminal mischief and three lesser charges. Her bail was set at $65,000, requiring a $6,500 payment for release.

She will now be evaluated by mental health professionals to determine if she’s competent to make the decision to have the abortion. . . .