For the second time in as many years, Gov. Brad Henry vetoed important Pro-Life legislation. The veto of Senate Bill 1878 came on April 16. The next morning, both houses of the Legislature overrode the veto. The Senate voted 37 - 11 for the override, and the House followed with an 81 - 15 vote.
Last year, Henry vetoed Pro-Life legislation that would have prevented taxpayer funds from being used for elective abortions. When the measure was revived and approved by veto-proof margins, the governor let the bill become law without his signature.
State Rep. Pam Peterson (R-Tulsa) had praised members of the Oklahoma Senate for passing the current Pro-Life legislation on April 9 and urged Gov. Brad Henry to sign the bill into law. "I appreciate the Senate's swift action and hope Governor Henry will quickly sign the bill into law," said Peterson.
The legislation enacts several reforms respecting the sanctity of life that have been embraced by members of both political parties. Senate Bill 1878 by state Sen. Todd Lamb (R-Edmond) and Peterson, contains several pro-life initiatives. Lamb said the measure is critical to protect the sanctity of life. The legislation received broad, veto-proof bipartisan support in both chambers. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 38-10 and previously passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives 80-12.
Senate Bill 1878 was amended in the House to include several pro-life measures filed by lawmakers:
Creates the Freedom of Conscience Act which protects the rights of healthcare providers to refuse to take part in the destruction of human life SB 1878 by Lamb and Peterson;
Ensures the chemical abortion pill, RU 486, is used in accordance with FDA guidelines House Bill 2181, by state Rep. Skye McNiel (R-Bristow);
Ensures the mother's consent to abort is truly voluntary, and protects against coerced abortions House Bill 3059-state Rep. Rebecca Hamilton (D-Oklahoma City);
Provides a woman with an ultrasound of her unborn child which she can view prior to undergoing the abortion House Bill 3144 by state Rep. Lisa Billy (R-Purcell); and
Cultivates respect for disabled children by banning the wrongful-life lawsuits that claim a baby would have been better off aborted House Bill 2814 by state Rep. Dan Sullivan, (R-Tulsa).
Peterson noted that four women serving in the Legislature authored provisions contained in the legislation. "This legislation is pro-woman, pro-child and pro-life," Peterson said. "The more information a woman can have before making this life-altering decision, the better.
But, Sen. Jim Wilson (D-Tahlequah) debated against the bill in the Senate."We see these bills every year, and we don't make any progress. All we do is demean women and beat people up, and we think somehow we can stop abortions from happening," said Wilson.
