anti-choice legislation introduced
On Feb 21, 2007, the State Senate Appropriations Committee met. On their agenda was a piece of anti-choice legislation (SB 714) which would prohibit government employees, government funds, or government entities from being used to assist in any abortion procedure. Planned Parenthood (PPCO) staff and other activists were in attendance to show opposition to this bill.Other anti-choice bills: There are eight anti-choice house bills that were heard in subcommittee and passed on to the full committee. These are being closely monitored and when the Judiciary Committee meets with any or all of these bills on the agenda, PPCO will send out notification by email. PPCO would like to gather support of women’s health by having a large constituent at this meeting in opposition of bills that would harm the health and safety of women in Oklahoma.
Prevention! PPCO has been working diligently with a lobbyist and legislators to have prevention legislation heard. Unfortunately, of the four bills introduced, it looks like three of them will never receive a hearing (SB 104, SB 105, SB 555). However, HB 1534, which requires medically accurate sex education to be taught when state funds are used, is showing some promise. When they find out the date and time of the committee meeting that it should be heard in, they will send out an email so that anyone wishing can attend and show support.
If you have any questions or would like more information on the bills mentioned above or how you can get involved, email or call:
Adrienne Brune, External Affairs Coordinator, Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma, 405-528-0221, adrienne.brune@ppfa.org or visit www.ppcok.org.