Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Oklahoma's New Abortion Laws

The Oklahoma House and Senate overrode Governor Henry's vetoes to enact two new abortion laws. One requires that a woman view the fetus before an abortion while the other gives doctors protection from malpractice lawsuits. Read more about the new laws in The New York Times.



STATEMENT FROM SENATE PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE GLENN COFFEE
ON SENATE VETO OVERRIDE

"This is a good day for the cause of life. Today a bipartisan Senate majority made a bold statement in support of the sanctity of life. Those who rallied behind this cause reflected the core values of Oklahoma citizens, and I applaud my colleagues in providing more safeguards for the life of the unborn.

“I would remind the Governor and those who would seek to overturn this action that the Governor has already signed four pro-life bills (SB 1890, SB 1891, SB 1902 & HB 3075) into law this session that had been previously overturned by the courts on a technicality, not merit.

“That same technicality applies to the two vetoes that were overturned today. The argument that these bills will be challenged in the courts is speculative.

“The voice of the people has spoken twice now this session in the Senate and twice in the House, and I sincerely hope those who would reverse the people’s voice would think twice before acting.” From the Oklahoma State Senate.