Oklahoma House advances Rep. George Faught’s bill to ban abortions in instances of certain birth defects
Published: March 23rd, 2017
OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill that seeks to ban abortions in instances of certain birth defects passed out of the House on Tuesday (March 21) with a vote of 67 to 16.
The Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act of 2017, House Bill 1549, seeks to prohibit abortion solely because the unborn child has been diagnosed with either Down syndrome or a genetic abnormality or has the potential for a genetic abnormality. The bill would also hold physicians who violate this measure liable.
“Life is a gift from God,” said Rep. George Faught, R-Muskogee, sponsor of the measure. “Today, I am thankful that the members of the House of Representatives chose to protect that gift.”
On the final roll call, H.B. 1549 gained the support of 64 Republicans and three Democrats. Opposing the measure were 16 Democrats and no Republicans.
Not voting on the proposal were nine Republicans and seven Democrats. Two seats in the House of Represents are currently vacant.
After House passage, H.B. 1549 went to the Oklahoma Senate.
Note: Editor Patrick B. McGuigan contributed to this report.