Oklahoma is pushing and strengthening its measures as a pro-life state. The Oklahoma House of Representatives recently approved a bill that would bar doctors who perform abortions from obtaining or renewing medical licenses.
Reuters reports that Oklahoma's Republican-dominated legislature approved the pro-life bill on Thursday after garnering a 59-to-9 vote. The bill, authored by Republican Senator Nathan Dahm, is now on the desk of Governor Mary Fallin waiting to be signed. Fallin has not yet confirmed whether she will support the proposed legislation.
The Oklahoma Pro-Life Bill And Its Abortion Restrictions
Under the said Oklahoma pro-life bill, the medical licenses of doctors, who are found guilty of performing abortions, will be revoked. Aside from revoking medical licenses, doctors who commit the so-called "unprofessional conduct" will also be barred from acquiring or renewing their medical licenses.
The bill, however, would exempt doctors who perform abortion in favor of a mother's life. "This is our proper function, to protect life," Dahm said. Supporters of the Oklahoma pro-life bill echoed Dahm's statement, saying that the proposed legislation would protect the sanctity of life against abortion.
Advocates For Abortion Rights Oppose The Okalhoma Pro-Life Bill
Several House representatives have strongly opposed the Oklahoma pro-life bill, stating that the measure is misguided and unconstitutional. They argued that revoking a doctor's medical license for performing abortion will violate the Constitution because abortion is a legal medical procedure under the law.
According to The Washington Post, Amanda Allen, senior state legislative counsel at the Center for Reproductive Rights, said in a statement that the Oklahoma pro-life bill is a new low from politicians who kept on restricting women's access to vital health care services. Allen, who advocates abortion rights, strongly urged Fallin to reject the "cruel and unconstitutional" bill.
Oklahoma's Bill Against Abortion Is About Principles
In response to the arguments, Rep. David Brumbaugh, co-sponsor of the Oklahoma pro-life bill, said that the proposed legislation is not about policy and politics. He emphasized that it is about principles. "If we take care of the morality, God will take care of the economy," he stated.
A 2015 report of Americans United For Life showed that Oklahoma is the most pro-life state in the United States. It is among the few states in the country that passed pro-life legislations to protect women and unborn children against abortion.
Are you in favor with Oklahoma's newest pro-life bill? Is it reasonable enough to revoke the medical licenses of doctors who perform abortion? Share your thoughts below.
