CapitolBeatOK Staff Report

Published: 19-Apr-2010

The State Senate today (Monday, April 19) gave bipartisan approval to five sanctity of life bills, providing more safeguards for the unborn.

Senate President Pro Tempore
Glenn Coffee said he was encouraged by his colleagues’ efforts and success in pushing for strong, pro-life reforms.

“Senate Republicans continue to fight for life of the unborn, and today we saw members from both parties join together in supporting this great cause,” said Coffee. “Oklahomans have consistently voted and called for measures like these, and today we have held true to Oklahoma values.”

Majority Floor Leader
Todd Lamb (R-Edmond) said he was pleased to see the bipartisan support among his fellow Senators for these pro-life measures.

“Republicans have championed the sanctity of life for decades, holding fast to the determination and conviction Oklahomans own on this issue,” said Lamb. “It is encouraging to see that today Republicans and Democrats stand together in defending life.”

House Bill 2656 by Senator
Brian Crain (R-Tulsa) states that in a wrongful life action or a wrongful birth action, no damages may be recovered for any condition that existed at the time of a child’s birth if the claim is that the defendant’s act or omission contributed to the mother’s not having obtained an abortion.

House Bill 2780 by Senator Anthony Sykes (R-Moore) requires an ultrasound at least one hour prior to an abortion.

House Bill 3075 by Senator
Ron Justice (R-Chickasha) requires facilities that perform non life-threatening abortions to post a sign outside stating it is against the law for anyone to be forced to have an abortion.

House Bill 3284 by Senator
Clark Jolley (R-Edmond) creates the Statistical Reporting of Abortions Act, which requires physicians who perform abortions to report certain information to the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

House Bill 3290 by Senator Anthony Sykes states that all qualified health plans offered through the state exchange are prohibited from including elective abortion coverage.  

The provisions in each bill previously received approval by the Legislature, but did not take effect because a court ruled they violated Oklahoma’s Constitution single-subject rule for legislation.

Already through the Legislature and signed into law are
bills to prohibit sex selection abortion, protect rights of conscience for health care workers, and regulate administration of RU-486, an abortafacient.