Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt held a ceremonial signing of nine pro-life bills Thursday, telling the Daily Caller News Foundation that he intends to make Oklahoma “the most pro-life state in the country.”
“The Tenth Amendment clearly states what is not designated to the federal government belongs to the state in terms of rights,” Stitt told the DCNF. “Oklahomans believe in life and protecting the life of the unborn, so it’s very important to challenge federal overreach, especially on this issue.” (RELATED: Oklahoma Governor Weighs In On Former OU Volleyball Player Suing For Exclusion Over Conservative Views)
“We want to be the most pro-life state in the country,” he continued. “If other states want to do things differently, that’s what all 50 states are designed for, but I represent all four million Oklahomans who overwhelmingly support life.”
The slew of pro-life legislation (SB 918, HB 1102, HB 1904, HB 2441, SB 778, SB 779, SB 960, SB 647, SB 584) bans abortions after a baby’s heartbeat is detected, restricts abortion drugs, requires abortionists to be board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, and labels abortion as “unprofessional conduct.”
Photo courtesy of Governor Stitt.
The bills also restore Oklahoma’s abortion ban if Roe v. Wade is overturned, ban fetal trafficking, protect relinquished babies and require birthing centers and other medical facilities to have policies honoring the remains of babies born through miscarriages or born stillborn.
The governor told the DCNF that the bills will “absolutely” be challenged by abortion advocates. (RELATED: Oklahoma Governor Bans Abortions To Preserve PPE During Coronavirus Crisis)
“Anytime something goes against the left’s liberal agenda there will be activist groups from the east and west coast who will try to come into Oklahoma and challenge our laws and our way of life,” he said.
“The most important thing is to protect life,” Stitt added. “These women are struggling and they have a tough situation and we want them to know there are other options. That’s why we appreciate church groups and adoption agencies.”
Photo courtesy of Governor Stitt.
SBA List President Marjorie Dannenfelser praised the governor’s actions Thursday, saying that Stitt has been “at the forefront of nationwide momentum to challenge the status quo and modernize our extreme abortion laws.”
“Life is winning in Oklahoma and across America,” she said in a statement. “I’m proud to stand with Governor Stitt at this historic moment and thank him for his leadership on behalf of pro-life Americans.”
Stitt’s actions follow media uproar and pro-life praise over Texas’ Heartbeat Act, which bans abortions after a baby’s heartbeat can be detected at about six weeks. The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 to deny abortion providers’ requests to block Texas’ new law last week.
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