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Oklahoma Legislature Passes Anti-Choice Bills

The Oklahoma state House approved three anti-choice bills Monday. The first bill would outlaw sex selective abortion and passed on a 95 to 1 vote. The second bill would institute a “conscience clause” allowing healthcare providers to refuse to participate in abortion procedures or refer patients to abortion providers. The third bill puts restrictions on the administration of mifepristone (also known as RU-486) by requiring it be administered in the presence of a physician. State House Speaker Chris Benge (R) told ABC “In recent years, we have seen the value of human life disintegrate, and these bills are an attempt to reverse that trend.” Each bill was previously part of a single bill approved by the legislature and signed by the governor. Early in March, the Oklahoma Supreme Court upheld the February ruling of a state District Court saying the law was unconstitutional on the basis that it violates state rules requiring legislation address only a single subject. The state Supreme Court wrote in their opinion, “We are growing weary of admonishing the Legislature for so flagrantly violating the terms of the Oklahoma Constitution. It is a waste of time for the Legislature and the Court, and a waste of the taxpayers’ money,” reported NewsOK. The court ruled on a similar lawsuit in 2009.

Sources:

Feminist Daily Newswire 3/4/10; Oklahoma Senate Bills 1890, 1891, 1902; News OK 3/4/10; ABC 3/29/10

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