A ballot measure to restrict state funds for abortions was decisively rejected, 64.5 percent to 35.6 percent, in Tuesday's election.

Oregon has long upheld abortion rights, even as other states have put restrictions on women's ability to obtain or pay for the procedure. Oregon is one of 17 states that allows state funds to pay for abortions.

Still, the measure was significant because it was the first abortion-related ballot initiative since 2006. Oregon Life United, the group behind Measure 106, failed in two earlier attempts to get the issue on the ballot. This year, it captured a mere 221 signatures more than the minimum required.

Measure 106 would have amended Oregon's Constitution to ban any public funds from being used on abortions, unless medically necessary to save the mother's life. Currently, anyone on publicly funded health insurance, such as the Oregon Health Plan, can receive an abortion if approved by a medical professional.

Supporters say that taxpayers shouldn't foot the cost of abortions, especially if they are morally opposed to them.

However, the state estimates that the measure will actually add $4.8 million to taxpayers' bills, because more babies will be on government health insurance.

The measure faced long odds; Oregon Life United was significantly outspent by organizations that support abortion rights. Several prominent groups, such as City Club of Portland and the ACLU Oregon, and public employee unions had urged voters to reject the measure.

-- Molly Harbarger

mharbarger@oregonian.com

503-294-5923

@MollyHarbarger