Statement from Sen. Williamson on SB 139

“At my request, Senate Bill 139 had been placed on the agenda today for a vote. However, Sen. Charlie Laster, the Democrat Floor Leader, refused to hear the bill today. Senator Owen Laughlin, the Republican Floor Leader, has agreed to bring the bill up tomorrow. I suspect Laster’s refusal was for the purpose of rallying opposition among his colleagues.

“I have also obtained information stating that the continued argument about the impact this legislation would have on the University of Oklahoma’s medical school’s accreditation is totally false. The fact is that under federal law, OU could not be subject to discrimination by an accrediting entity for refusing to require or provide such training or to perform abortions.”

Editors: On Monday the House of Representatives voted 77-19 in favor of SB 139, which would end the use of state facilities and employees for performing abortions. The bill does provide exemptions for cases of rape and incest. The bill had been scheduled for a vote in the Senate on Tuesday.