Oklahoma Senate
Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat files legislation to prohibit abortion in Oklahoma
Sen. Greg Treat
Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat has filed legislation that would make abortion illegal in Oklahoma when Roe v. Wade is overturned or if the U.S. Constitution is amended.
If either condition is met, Senate Bill 195 would immediately prohibit abortion in Oklahoma – providing an exception to protect the life of the mother. The bill also would eliminate the statutes that currently regulate abortion, as they would no longer be necessary once Oklahoma law prohibits abortion.
“I share the hope that one day abortion will be illegal in Oklahoma and elsewhere across the United States. That day cannot come soon enough, and when it arrives Senate Bill 195 prepares Oklahoma to immediately take steps to protect the unborn,” said Treat, R-Oklahoma City.
“Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey are horrible decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court. But I respect the rule of law, and the U.S. Constitution and look forward to the day those grave injustices of the court are corrected,” Treat said.
While Senate Bill 195 is not triggered until a new federal court ruling or constitutional amendment, Treat said the measure was an important step for the state to take now.
“Because Oklahoma is a part of the Streamlined Sales Tax Agreement, it meant our state could immediately begin collecting online sales tax in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair. Similarly, Senate Bill 195 prepares Oklahoma to take immediate action when Supreme Court cases legalizing abortion are overturned,” Treat said.
Five other states have passed so-called trigger laws: Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Treat believes more states adopting policies like SB 195 will lead federal officials to take steps to make abortion illegal or give states the authority to decide the issue.
“Oklahoma is a pro-life state, and the people of Oklahoma have repeatedly made it clear they want their elected officials to protect the unborn. With Senate Bill 195, Oklahoma is joining the ranks of other states to take legitimate policy steps to protect the lives of the unborn and uphold the sanctity of life,” Treat said.
