Oklahoma Governor Vetoes Two Abortion Bills
(PRESS RELEASE) This afternoon, Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry vetoed two abortion bills recently passed in the state legislature, saying in a press statement that they suffered from “numerous flaws and would ultimately result in another expensive and possibly futile legal battle for the state.”
The vetoed bills were an ultrasound measure requiring a woman to seeking an abortion to hear in detail a description of the ultrasound image, even if she objects and a measure prohibiting a woman from suing doctors who withhold information from her or even lie to her about a fetal abnormality.
Just last year, an Oklahoma state court struck down these provisions, among other abortion restrictions, as part of an omnibus bill, in a challenge brought by the Center for Reproductive Rights. Earlier this week, the Center sent letters to the governor, calling on him to veto both of these bills and a reporting requirement. The Oklahoma legislature has recently approved several anti-abortion measures.
“We are very pleased that Governor Henry vetoed these two extreme anti-abortion measures. Legislators have no business telling doctors how to practice medicine or making personal medical decisions for people,” said Stephanie Toti, staff attorney at the Center for Reproductive Rights and lead attorney on the prior lawsuit. “We strongly urge the legislature to stand down and stay out of the doctor’s office.”