Stanley Responds to Governor’s Veto of Critical Breast Cancer Screening Legislation

OKLAHOMA CITY— Senator Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, released the following statement in response to the governor’s veto of House Bill 1389.

“I want to express my sincere disappointment in the governor’s veto of House Bill 1389, a life-saving measure for all Oklahomans. This bill would have expanded insurance coverage for breast cancer imaging and advanced diagnostic tests that are essential to early detection and improving treatment outcomes, without cost-sharing for patients.

“House Bill 1389 aimed to ensure that all Oklahomans, especially those at higher risk or with a family history of breast cancer, had access to affordable and comprehensive breast cancer screenings. This legislation was vetoed due to the belief that the provision of this care could contribute to higher insurance premiums, although the reality is that the costs of providing preventative screenings are minuscule when compared to the costs to treat late-stage disease.

“The rejection of this bill is disheartening, but we will continue working until every woman and man in our state can access this essential and life-saving care, without having to also endure financial hardship.”

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For more information, contact: Sen. Brenda Stanley at 405-521-5584, or email Brenda.Stanley@oksenate.gov.