The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

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April 17, 2007

Oklahoma: Doctors urge Henry to sign anti-abortion bill

The Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY — Some physicians opposed to abortion urged Gov. Brad Henry on Monday to sign legislation overwhelmingly approved by the House and Senate that would bar state hospitals, clinics and workers from performing abortions at state expense unless the mother’s life is threatened.

The doctors, including obstetricians and gynecologists, said they are disappointed that the Oklahoma State Medical Association and the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association have urged Henry to veto the bill and said not all Oklahoma physicians agree.

“Most Oklahoma physicians are not in favor of abortion,” said Dr. Dominic Pedulla, a cardiologist. “Pregnancy is not a medical condition. It’s a natural condition.”

Dr. Jack Beller, chairman of the OSMA’s council on state legislation, said Pedulla has asked the group to reverse its position but that it is still urging the governor to veto the bill.

The measure was sent to Henry’s desk last week after it received final passage in the Oklahoma Senate in a bipartisan 32-16 vote. It was previously approved by the House 73-22.

Henry has until Wednesday to sign the measure or veto it.

Sen. Jim Williamson, R-Tulsa, said abortion is an emotional issue that has divided the medical community and that opponents have distributed “absolute misinformation” about the legislation’s impact in an attempt to defeat it.

“Oklahoma is a strongly pro-life state and I think the governor recognizes that. I think he’ll do the right thing,” Williamson said.

Opponents contend the bill’s language interferes with a doctor’s relationship with his patient and would prohibit them from mentioning termination as an option for pregnant women.

Opponents have also said the measure may prevent them from accepting payment for their services from Medicaid, a federal health care program for the indigent that is partly supported with state tax dollars.

But Williamson said the bill has strong support in the state’s medical community.

“Government should not be in the abortion business,” Williamson said.

Rep. Lisa Billy, R-Purcell, indicated she agrees with provisions that would prevent doctors from encouraging their patients to have an abortion.

Billy said she was 22 weeks pregnant when her doctor recommended an abortion because the fetus could have Down’s Syndrome. She said she rejected the advice and carried the fetus to term. The child, a boy, does not have Down’s Syndrome.

Under the bill, doctors will still be able to discuss abortion as an option for their patients, supporters said.

Dr. Mary Martin, a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, refuted published comments in which Dr. Eli Reshef, a fertility specialist, contended that the measure will force women to carry a child against their will, especially those with serious fetal conditions.

Martin said the bill will not prohibit private providers from performing abortions and will not stop Medicaid dollars from being used to pay for them to save the life of the mother and in the case of rape or incest.

“This bill seeks only to prevent Oklahoma taxpayers from funding abortions at state institutions and by state employees,” Martin said.

Only three clinics offer abortions in Oklahoma and all are privately run, according to the Oklahoma Department of Health. The agency said that in 2005, 6,632 abortions were performed in Oklahoma. The number has dropped 8 percent from 7,183 abortions in 2000.

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