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Override urged of Okla. abortion bill veto


OKLAHOMA CITY (BP)–Oklahoma legislators must override the governor’s veto of a bill to prohibit state-funded elective abortions, a key Oklahoma Baptist leader said after Gov. Brad Henry vetoed Senate Bill 714.

“I am calling on all pro-life and tax-conscience citizens to contact their legislator and insist that the legislature vote to override Gov. Henry’s veto of SB 714,” said Anthony Jordan, executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. “Be assured, we will do everything possible to see that SB 714 becomes law.”

The bill would prohibit public funds and state-run hospitals from being used for abortions except when a mother’s life is in danger. The bill also would require Oklahomans to take out additional health insurance polices to cover elective abortions.

Jordan said he is “extremely disappointed” by the Democratic governor’s veto. “The evidence is clear. Abortion destroys human life,” Jordan said. “While pro-abortion doctors and others have confused facts, it does not change the truth that the majority of Oklahomans are opposed to abortion. Taxpayers should not be required to pay for abortions with tax dollars.”

Henry, in his veto of the bill April 18, said, “It’s a very difficult decision for me. I do not issue this veto lightly. I believe every abortion is a tragedy, and I have a strong record of support for common-sense, reasonable restrictions on abortion.”

Henry was re-elected last November with 66.5 percent of the vote as only the third governor in the state’s history to garner two consecutive terms.

The Oklahoma Senate can be reached at 405-524-0126 and the House of Representatives 405-521-2711 or via the Internet at www.bgco.org/RepFinder.
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