Resolution passed seeking state question to give the unborn and born equal rights

OKLAHOMA CITY – Among several pro-life measures approved by the Senate Thursday was Senate Joint Resolution 17 by Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, to allow Oklahomans to let their voices be heard on the rights of the unborn. The resolution would submit a state question to voters to amend the state constitution to extend the definition of an abortion and personhood to ensure the unborn have the same rights to life as other people.

“Life starts at conception, and Oklahomans have made it clear they want the unborn protected,” Bullard said. “This state question would allow voters to make their stance clear by stating in our state constitution that our unborn undeniably should be afforded the same rights to life as the rest of us.”

SJR 17 would define an unborn person as the unborn offspring of human beings from the moment of conception, through pregnancy and until live birth, including the human conceptus, zygote, morula, blastocyst, embryo, and fetus. It also defines abortion as the use or prescription of any instrument, medicine, drug, or any other substance or device intentionally to terminate a pregnancy with an intent other than to increase the probability of a live birth, to preserve the life or health of the child after their birth, to remove an ectopic pregnancy, or to remove a dead unborn child who passed due to a spontaneous miscarriage, accidental trauma, or a criminal assault on the pregnant female or her unborn child. The measure would further prohibit the performance of abortions in Oklahoma unless it is necessary to prevent the death of a pregnant woman. Those convicted of violating this provision would be guilty of manslaughter in the first degree.

“Abortion is the only medical procedure where the patient’s death is considered a success. This is egregious, and we as a society must stop making excuses for this immorality and protect those who can’t fight for themselves,” Bullard said.  

The resolution, mirroring similar legislation passed in Missouri, now goes to the House for further consideration. If approved there, it would go on the 2022 General Election ballot in November.

Sen. Bullard: (405) 521-5586 or David.Bullard@oksenate.gov