Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Republican, held a ceremonial signing of nine pro-life bills Thursday, telling The Daily Caller News Foundation that he intends to make Oklahoma “the most pro-life state in the country.”
“The 10th Amendment clearly states what is not designated to the federal government belongs to the state in terms of rights,” Stitt said. “Oklahomans believe in life and protecting the life of the unborn, so it’s very important to challenge federal overreach, especially on this issue.”
“We want to be the most pro-life state in the country,” the governor said. “If other states want to do things differently, that’s what all 50 states are designed for, but I represent all 4 million Oklahomans who overwhelmingly support life.”
The slew of pro-life legislation (SB 918, HB 1102, HB 1904, HB 2441, SB 778, SB 779, SB 960, SB 647, SB 584) would ban abortion after a baby’s heartbeat is detected, restrict abortion drugs, require abortionists to be board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, and label abortion as “unprofessional conduct.”
The bills also would restore Oklahoma’s abortion ban if Roe v. Wade is overturned, ban fetal trafficking, protect relinquished babies, and require birthing centers and other medical facilities to have policies honoring the remains of babies born through miscarriages or born stillborn.
Stitt told The Daily Caller News Foundation that the bills will “absolutely” be challenged by abortion advocates.
“Anytime something goes against the left’s liberal agenda there will be activist groups from the East and West Coast who will try to come into Oklahoma and challenge our laws and our way of life,” he said.
“The most important thing is to protect life,” Stitt added. “These women are struggling and they have a tough situation and we want them to know there are other options. That’s why we appreciate church groups and adoption agencies.”
Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the pro-life Susan B. Anthony List, praised the governor’s actions Thursday, saying that Stitt has been “at the forefront of nationwide momentum to challenge the status quo and modernize our extreme abortion laws.”
“Life is winning in Oklahoma and across America,” she said in a written statement. “I’m proud to stand with Governor Stitt at this historic moment and thank him for his leadership on behalf of pro-life Americans.”
Stitt’s actions follow media uproar and pro-life praise over Texas’ Heartbeat Act, which bans abortion after a baby’s heartbeat can be detected at about six weeks. The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 to deny abortion providers’ requests to block Texas’ new law last week.
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