Senate Author Praises House Passage of Pro Life Measure

The Senate author of historic pro-life legislation on its way to the desk of Governor Brad Henry said Thursday’s belated approval of the measure in the House of Representatives was a “victory for all Oklahomans.”

House Bill 1686, by Senator Daisy Lawler and Rep. Rebecca Hamilton, passed the Senate on a 44-4 vote on April 27 and passed the House 95-3 Thursday.

“The Oklahoma Legislature has taken a stand in defense of unborn children and in support of women who are facing the most important decision they will ever make,” said Lawler, D-Comanche. “I am confident that Governor Henry will sign it and House Bill 1686 will become law.”

Lawler thanked House author Rebecca Hamilton, D-Oklahoma City; Senator Kenneth Corn, D-Poteau; and Oklahomans for Life Executive Director Tony Lauinger for helping craft the measure.

“Today’s not about who should get the credit for passage of this landmark legislation. It’s about adequately informing women who are considering ending a pregnancy about all of their options. It’s about making sure parents are notified before their teenage daughters get an abortion. It’s about the sanctity of life,” Lawler said.

The legislation requires that women receive certain information 24 hours before an abortion can be performed. The information includes:
The name of the physician who will perform the abortion;
Medical risks associated with an abortion and carrying a child to term;
The gestational age of the fetus;
And other objective information including materials designed to inform her of the probable anatomical and physiological characteristics of the unborn child at two-week increments.

The bill also requires that women be told that the father of the child is liable for financial support and that government benefits may also be available to them. It also makes exceptions in cases of emergencies.
The information will be published and provided by the State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision and will contain a list of agencies and services available to assist a woman through a pregnancy and once the child is born.

The measure also requires that 48 hours before an “un-emancipated minor” or a woman for whom a guardian has been appointed can receive an abortion, the parents or guardian of the woman must be notified in writing. It also includes judicial bypass of parental notification in certain circumstances.

The bill also sets out penalties for violation of the act, including disciplinary action against the physician by the State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision or the State Board of Osteopathic Examiners.
Additionally, the bill allows for criminal prosecution of a person who commits the crimes of shooting with intent to kill, drive-by shooting and aggravated assault and battery upon an unborn child from conception through the entire pregnancy.

That portion of the legislation has been dubbed the “Lacy Peterson Provision,” in remembrance of the pregnant California woman whose murder received national attention when her husband was charged with and convicted of the crime.