Williamson Says Battle for Pro-Life Issue Not Over

On Wednesday the evenly divided Oklahoma Senate again fell one short of the 32 votes needed to override Gov. Brad Henrys veto of SB 714, a pro-life bill that would prohibit state funds, facilities, and employees from being used to perform abortions except to save the life of the mother.

But Senate Bill 714s author, Sen. James A. Williamson of Tulsa, said he will continue the effort to ban state funding for abortions.

I will continue the effort to override the governor as long as I believe there is a realistic chance to change someones mind, Williamson said. Our fight on behalf of unborn Oklahomans to enact the protections contained in SB 714 will continue, Williamson said.

Senate Bill 714 is a pro-life bill that prohibits the use of state funds, facilities, and employees to perform abortions. It also requires abortionists to file paperwork with the state showing they are following laws requiring informed consent of patients and the notification of minors parents before abortions are performed.