Sun, Sep 07 2008
|
|
Published April 16, 2008 11:47 pm - OKLAHOMA CITY — Gov. Brad Henry vetoed an anti-abortion bill Wednesday night, saying it was “unconscionable” to require victims of rape and incest to undergo an ultrasound examination. Oklahoma: Anti-abortion bill vetoed The Associated Press
OKLAHOMA CITY — Gov. Brad Henry vetoed an anti-abortion bill Wednesday night, saying it was “unconscionable” to require victims of rape and incest to undergo an ultrasound examination. “While I support reasonable restrictions on abortion, this legislation does not provide an essential exemption for victims of rape and incest,” Henry said in his veto message to the Legislature. “By forcing the victims of such horrific acts to undergo and view ultrasounds after they have made such a difficult and heartbreaking decision, the state victimizes the victim a second time,” he said. “It would be unconscionable to subject the victims of rape and incest to such treatment. Because of this critical flaw, I cannot in good conscience sign this legislation.” Sen. Todd Lamb, R-Edmond, who introduced the legislation, said he would attempt an override “as quickly as I can.” It will require a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate to override the veto. The measure passed the Senate, 38-10, and the House, 80-12. Lamb said he was disappointed in the veto and also that he did not get a call from the governor about the action. “I heard the veto message and it sounds like he really hung his hat on the ultrasound provision of the legislation,” he said, adding that the governor was misinformed by saying the bill required a woman to view an ultrasound. He said a national survey shows 99 percent of abortion clinics already perform ultrasound examinations. “This is a very bipartisan issue. There are Democratic co-authors of this legislation,” Lamb said. “We are greatly disappointed that he governor has acted contrary to the overwhelming view of the House and Senate that this very worthy legislation should become law in Oklahoma,” said Tony Lauinger, chairman of the anti-abortion Oklahomans for Life, Inc. “Abortion is not a solution to the tragedy of rape or incest,” Lauinger said. “Abortion is a second tragedy which compounds the tragedy of rape or incest.” He said an ultrasound gives a woman “essential information which would allow her to give truly informed consent.” The bill expands on anti-abortion legislation passed in 2006 that required abortion doctors to tell a woman she had a right to a free ultrasound exam at an offsite location. 
•
Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.
More from the State News section
Missouri: Horse attacked; cougar to blame? Oklahoma: Three men testify about girls’ killings Missouri: VP debate takes on more importance |
Print this story
E-mail this story
Post to del.icio.us
Discuss this story
 |
 |
 |
||||||||
|
||||||||
 |
The Joplin Globe Publishing Company 117 East Fourth Street, Joplin, MO 64801 Using our site is your agreement to the terms and conditions. News: news@joplinglobe.com • (417)623-3480 Advertise with the Joplin Globe Copyright © 2006 The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO All rights reserved. |
Popular Business directory links - Joplin Apartments | Joplin Attorneys | Joplin Auto Dealers | Joplin Auto Parts | Joplin Auto Repair | Joplin Beauty Salons | Joplin Car Rental | Joplin Dentists | Joplin Doctors | Joplin Flowers | Joplin Hotels | Joplin Insurance | Joplin Loans | Joplin Mortgages | Joplin Movers | Joplin Pizza | Joplin Realtors | Joplin Restaurants | Joplin Storage | Joplin Tax Preparation | Joplin Travel | Joplin Featured | More...
|
|
Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc. • CNHI Classified Advertising Network • CNHI News Service |