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Thursday, April 10, 2008 Podcast: Pro-Life Legislation Passes Senate An omnibus pro-life bill passed the Oklahoma State Senate Wednesday with a bipartisan vote.
Senate Bill 1878 by Senator Todd Lamb (R-Edmond), and Representative Pam Peterson (R-Tulsa), contains several pro-life initiatives, passing the Senate with a vote of 38-10.
By combining various pieces of legislation from Senator Lamb and members of the House of Representatives, Senate Bill 1878 now does the following:
 The provisions spelled out in this legislation are critical pro-life advances. Working with pro-life members of the House and Senate to protect the sanctity of life and develop this comprehensive bill has been an honor. I am encouraged by the bipartisan support to protect innocent life today in the Senate.  Representative Peterson:
I appreciate the Senate’s swift action and hope Governor Henry will quickly sign the bill into law. The legislation enacts several common-sense reforms respecting the sanctity of life that have been embraced by members of both political parties...[Noting that four women serving in the Legislature authored provisions of Senate Bill 1878] This legislation is pro-woman, pro-child and pro-life. The more information a woman can have before making this life-altering decision, the better. I hope Governor Henry will do the right thing this year and sign this legislation into law.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. The next stop for Senate Bill 1878 will be the Governor’s desk for his signature. Labels: Abortion, Rep. Pam Peterson, Senator Todd Lamb Posted at 4/10/2008 11:33:00 AM | 
Sen. Leftwich Bill Creating Harsher Penalties for Attacks on Pregnant Women Clears first Senate Hurdle Legislation to strengthen penalties for assaulting a pregnant woman has cleared its first hurdle in the State Senate. Sen. Debbe Leftwich (D-OKC), who is Senate author of House Bill 1897 approved Wednesday by the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety and Judiciary, said:
Domestic violence is the number one cause of death for pregnant women. Oklahoma needs to do more to address such violence before it results in the death of a woman and her baby.Leftwich said recent headlines underscored that grim statistic. Eric Kennedy Phan is awaiting trial in the murder of 20-year-old Lauren Barnes and her unborn baby. Last November, Phan talked Barnes into meeting her at a Bethany Park after she had told his girlfriend he was the father of her unborn child. Lauren had told her little sister she was scared he would ‘blow up.’ The last her sister ever heard from her was a text message that said ‘Oh God, I think he just pulled up.’ Lauren’s body was found a week later in a shallow grave.The measure, authored by Rep. Rebecca Hamilton (D-OKC)in the House, would allow felony charges to be filed against a person who assaults a woman and causes her to miscarry. Under the legislation known as the “Scum of the Earth Bill,” a person convicted of beating a woman the attacker knew was pregnant could be charged with a misdemeanor and face up to one year in jail. A person convicted of a second or subsequent offense would be guilty of a felony and face up to ten years in prison. If the attack resulted in a miscarriage or injury to the unborn child, it would be a felony with a penalty of up to 20 years in prison. Leftwich added: More than 3,000 pregnant women in our state are attacked every single year—usually by the father of the baby. While state law does allow us to file double murder charges for killing a pregnant woman and her unborn child, we ought to be doing more to get that abuser behind bars before it gets to that point.House Bill 1897 now moves to the full Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration. Listen to the mp3 here Labels: Abortion, domestic violence, Sen. Debbe Leftwich Posted at 3/27/2008 07:54:00 AM |
Oklahomans May be Required to View an Ultrasound Prior to Getting an Abortion...and may Have a Harder time Finding a Doctor to Do It.
–Legislation requiring abortion clinics to provide a woman with an ultrasound before terminating her pregnancy passed the House today.
House Bill 3144, by Rep. Lisa Billy, expands on pro-life legislation passed in 2006 that required abortion doctors to tell a woman she had a right to a free ultrasound at an off-site location. This legislation would require the ultrasound to be available at the clinic where the abortion would be performed.
This bill is needed to give women as much information as possible to ensure she does not later regret her decision, said Billy.
"There is nothing more important we can do here in the Legislature than protect the lives of innocent children," said Billy, R-Purcell. "This bill will further prepare every woman who is about to make a life-altering decision. When a woman has all the information in her hands, she will walk out of that clinic confident in her choice."
The bill passed the House with a vote of 88-11 and will now move to the Senate for consideration.
The Oklahoma State Senate passed key pro-life legislation that provides protection to pro-life healthcare providers.
Senate Bill 1878 by Senator Todd Lamb, R-Edmond, creates the Freedom of Conscience Act, which protects the rights of healthcare providers to refuse to take part in the destruction of human life.
Protection under this legislation is provided to employees or prospective employees who have objections, based on their religious conviction or moral code, to such scenarios as participating in or performing an abortion, stem cell research, or euthanasia.
“The bipartisan effort made to allow this legislation to pass is to be applauded,” said Senator Lamb. “Pro-life healthcare providers deserve protection for their moral or religious convictions, and Senate Bill 1878 does just that.”
Senate Bill 1878 will now move to the House for consideration.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Labels: Abortion, Healthcare, Rep. Lisa Billy, Senator Todd Lamb Posted at 3/12/2008 08:13:00 AM |
You Can't Sue the Doctor Just Because You were Born
Legislation banning wrongful-life lawsuits that claim a baby would have been better off being aborted passed the House yesterday.
House Bill 2814, by Rep. Dan Sullivan, would make it clear that an Oklahoman couldn’t sue a doctor, claiming the physician should have counseled a mother to abort her child. Sullivan said the legislation fosters respect for babies with disabilities. Dan Sullivan:
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
This ensures there can’t be a lawsuit just because you were born.A lawsuit would not be affected if the doctor is negligent in any way, said Sullivan. The bill passed the House 92-0 and will now go to the Senate for consideration. Labels: Abortion Posted at 3/07/2008 07:10:00 AM |
WRS Conducts Family Research Council Poll New Poll: Americans Oppose Abortion Coverage in "Universal Health Care Plans" From frcblog.com: FRC Action, the legislative action arm of Family Research Council, has released the results of a commissioned national survey showing that a clear majority of voters would be less likely to support a candidate who proposes a national health care plan that includes universal abortion coverage. The scientific survey by Wilson Research Strategies asked the following question of 801 likely voters: “If a candidate for the Presidency proposed a national health care plan with universal coverage of abortion at taxpayer expense, would you be more or less likely to vote for that candidate?” A clear majority of voters (56%) signaled that they would be “less likely” to vote for a presidential candidate proposing universal abortion coverage compared to (31%) who would be “more likely” to support such a candidate. Intensity runs strongest among those opposed to the idea, with 45% indicating they would be “much less likely” to vote in favor of a candidate whose plan forced taxpayers to pay for abortion, compared to 19% who would be “much more likely” to endorse such a candidate. Opposition to universal abortion coverage crossed nearly every demographic including sex, race, region, and age. Some of the poll’s most interesting findings include the following: Read more...
Democratic Activists Angry With Gumm & Hamilton
Democratic activists are angry with two of their legislators this week over the abortion issue. We reported Wednesday that demonstrators held signs in front of Rep. Rebecca Hamilton's fundraiser Tuesday evening, calling for her censorship and accusing her of "Sleeping with the Enemy".
Sen. Jay Paul Gumm raised the ire of the party faithful with his post on our Legislators' blog titled: A "Poison" in the Body Politic. In the controversial post, Sen. Gumm writes:
Abortion was the other issue on which my position of conscience caused great anger, and to some degree disproves any suggestion that I make votes based partisan politics. I supported, and then helped resurrect, a bill that would prevent abortions from being performed with taxpayer resources. That position caused activists in the Democratic Party to become very angry at me, even attempting to reprimand me at the state Democratic Convention. That effort failed because cooler heads prevailed. Again, however, what was missing was a reasoned discussion of the issue.The following comment is representative of the sentiments expressed by many of those who left comments on the post and on demookie.com. Jack Boyte said... Senator Gumm, I was part of the group that voted for the censure resolution at the state convention. It was NOT about womens reproductive rights. It was about the WAY you and Rep. Hamilton went about reviving SB 139 with language from SB 714. Forty out of forty-four members of the House Democratic caucus asked her not to 'revive the bill'...and she did anyway. Many feel you encouraged and supported this tactic even though the overwhelming majority of House Democrats opposed the procedure. I certainly respect your opinion on all issues and commend you for your service. But I feel this specific political maneuvering deserves the condemnation it received. Labels: Abortion, OK Legislator's Blog, OK Legislature, Rep. Rebecca Hamilton, Sen. Gumm Posted at 5/25/2007 08:20:00 AM |
Demonstraters Picket Hamilton's FundraiserOKPNS reported to you yesterday about the demonstration planned at Rep. Rebecca Hamilton's fundraiser. As you can see, the demonstraters showed up carrying signs with love quotes like: "Censor Rebecca Hamilton Hamilton" and "Sleeping with the Enemy". All that aside, we wonder how the fundraiser went?Labels: Abortion, Decision '08, Rep. Rebecca Hamilton Posted at 5/23/2007 03:16:00 PM |
Tip Line: Demonstration planned Tonight at Rebecca Hamilton's Fundraiser
May 22, 2007 Lawter Law Offices 3313 N Classen Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 7311 Reception from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m." The outrages are: 1. Steve Lewis is Planned Parenthood's lobbyist, 2. Rebecca mightily angered her House Democratic Caucus members by conspiring with Republicans and giving them her bill to bring back SB-714 through her bill SB -139 (She was the House author). She forced her colleagues to vote AGAIN on anti-choice bills (8 of them rolled into SB-139) which they had already voted on before. IF YOU CAN JOIN US, PLEASE LET ME KNOW ASAP. BE THERE BY 6:15 AT THE LATEST IF AT ALL POSSIBLE. I'M MAKING APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR BRING YOUR OWN. THERE'S LOTS OF SPACE AROUND 3313 N. CLASSEN BLVD WHERE WE CAN STAND. I'LL GET A PERMIT FIRST THING TOMORROW MORNING. THERE COMES A TIME WHEN ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!! Labels: Abortion, Rep. Rebecca Hamilton Posted at 5/22/2007 02:10:00 PM |
Working To End Taxpayer Funded Abortions
By Rep. Jason Murphey
This week the Oklahoma House of Representatives took action to again send to the Senate and the Governor an important pro-life measure. Senate Bill 139 (SB 139), authored by Oklahoma City Democrat Rebecca Hamilton, would stop the use of taxpayer money from funding almost all abortions. SB 139 is very similar to Senate Bill 714, which passed both the House and the Senate earlier in the session but was later vetoed by the Governor.
The Senate has twice attempted to override the Governor's veto of Senate Bill 714, but both attempts fell just one vote short of the two-thirds majority needed. Because the Senate could not override the veto, the bill was bottled up in the Senate and the House did not get to vote on the override attempt.
SB 139 offered an opportunity for those of us in the House to again press the issue that taxpayer resources should not be used for abortions. It is important for us to take action, not just because it is the right thing to do, but because of the groundswell of public support for this policy. I have received more calls in support of Senate Bill 714 than any other bill this year. It is clear that people do not want their tax dollars used to destroy life and they are demanding the government take action. Read more...
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Labels: Abortion, OK Legislator's Blog, Rep. Jason Murphey Posted at 5/15/2007 12:32:00 PM |
Williamson Vows to Continue Effort to Override Henry Veto of Pro-Life Bill SB 714 author disappointed by Senator Laster’s flip-flop on abortion issue
The evenly divided Oklahoma Senate fell one vote short today of the 32 votes needed to override Gov. Brad Henry’s veto of a pro-life bill after Democrat Senator Charles Laster of Shawnee flip-flopped by voting against an override motion after voting 3 previous times in favor of the legislation this session – once in committee and twice on the Senate floor.
But Senate Bill 714’s author, Sen. James A. Williamson of Tulsa, said he will press on with future attempts to override Henry’s veto.
“Today’s vote is just the beginning. Our fight on behalf of unborn Oklahomans will continue for as along as necessary until we override this veto,” Williamson said.
“Sen. Laster’s flip flop on this life-and-death issue is surprising and disappointing. Sen. Laster will likely be hearing from many pro-life Oklahomans in the coming days. There will be a lot of prayers that he will have a change of heart on the next override vote,” stated Williamson.
“Sen. Laster’s explanation for changing his vote on SB 714 involves the same arguments that were used against this bill during every previous vote, yet Sen. Laster still voted for the bill every time until today,” he said.
Senate Bill 714 is a pro-life bill that prohibits the use of state funds, facilities, and employees to perform abortions. It also requires abortionists to file paperwork with the state showing they are following laws requiring informed consent of patients and the notification of minors’ parents before abortions are performed.
Williamson noted that Democrat Sen. Nancy Riley of Sand Springs, who switched parties in 2006, has also changed positions on the abortion issue.
“In the past, Sen. Riley consistently voted pro-life as a Republican. She never told pro-life supporters that rape and incest exceptions were important to her. As a Democrat, she even voted for SB 714 in committee before opposing the bill on the floor,” Williamson said. “Sen. Riley’s waffling on the issue of life is extremely disappointing.”
Williamson said he will continue to bring up his motion to override Henry’s veto of SB 714 “as many times as necessary” until the end of next year’s legislative session. Labels: Abortion, Brad Henry, Sen. Charles Laster, Sen. James Williamson, Sen. Nancy Riley Posted at 4/25/2007 03:43:00 PM |
Frank Keating Endorses McCain Senator John McCain has picked up the endorsement of former governor Frank Keating, despite McCain's "nuance" of his abortion position since his last presidential run in 2000. McCain is now claiming he is pro-life, and to prove that claim to social conservatives, he will speak at a teenage abstinence rally in South Carolina later today.
Keating, who is Catholic, signed a bill in June 2001 to prevent teenagers from having an abortion unless they first received the consent of their parents.
The measure also held abortion practitioners liable for "physical and emotional injuries" suffered by a minor if they do not notify or receive consent from a parent prior to performing an abortion on a girl under 18 years of age.
Keating also signed a bill in May 2002 authorizing the state's "Choose Life" license plates
As we wrote above, McCain's position seems to have changed decidedly since 2000:
By Tina Cassidy, Globe Staff, 2/25/2000
"At one point in the campaign, McCain said he would not support the repeal of Roe v. Wade because it would force women to have ''illegal and dangerous operations.'' And during a swing through New Hampshire, he told reporters that if his teenage daughter got pregnant ''the final decision'' about whether to terminate ''would be made by [her].''
In both instances, McCain later said he misspoke."
This commentary appeared in a slightly different form on nationalreview.com, February 7, 2001:
"John McCain is hawking a book of pro-abortion propaganda to his colleagues. Surprised? Don't be. He's the hero of the story.
Richard North Patterson's novel Protect and Defend tells a familiar story: Mean-spirited conservatives, Republicans, and Christian Right anti-abortion fanatics in Washington, D.C., vs. the pro-choice, anti-gun, pro-campaign-reform forces of light.
Senator Chad Palmer is twice a hero: once for enduring being kidnapped and held hostage by Islamic extremists, and now for supporting campaign-finance reform even though he's a Republican. Palmer used to be pro-life, until his teenage daughter was able to start turning her life around by getting a legal abortion. And now he has to vote on a controversial nominee to be chief justice of the Supreme Court. The previous one, a hateful old conservative, died of a stroke while giving the oath of office to the new Democratic president. The president names a feminist judge.
During her confirmation hearings, this judge writes a decision letting a 15-year-old girl abort her hydrocephalic fetus at seven and a half months over the objections of her parents, who are tyrannical religious zealots. She is bitterly opposed by anti-abortionists with names like Mace and Harshman, as well as by a group called the "Christian Commitment." Eventually a sleazy Washington lobbyist exposes the abortion in Senator Palmer's family. His daughter, distraught, drinks a bottle of wine, gets behind the wheel on an icy night, and dies. So guess who casts the deciding vote in the Senate? And guess which way he votes?
Last month, real-life Senators John McCain and Barbara Boxer jointly sent a copy of this book with a letter to every member of the Senate. This evening, McCain and Boxer are hosting a reception and book-signing party for Patterson in the United States Capitol. "Labels: Abortion, Decision '08, Frank Keating, John McCain Posted at 2/19/2007 09:09:00 AM |
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