John Stewart takes on Abstinence

Even though The Daily Show writers, and John Stewart, makes me laugh - the abstinence until marriage movement really isn't all that funny. In fact, I find it disturbing. It's disturbing to me that so much federal and state money is funnelled into programs that just DO NOT WORK!

It makes me outraged, but it also makes me want to do something. Actions such as educating people that while abstinence is a good option for teens, it's not always reality. Teens are having sex - so let's help them be prepared! Support comprehensive sex education programs, such as ones that Planned Parenthood provides. This is a better solution than ignorance!

Are you outraged? Are you doing something about it?

Enough is Enough!

"Stop the insanity - enough is enough!" says the Pro-Choice Oklahoma blog. Why? Because of SB 2001. Pro-choice Oklahoma has a great run down of what this bill, "The Statistical Reporting of Abortion Act," is all about. You can take a look here.

Some of the "highlights" of this bill just really go through me! First, doctors must report the reason for the woman having an abortion. The bill language gives options to be checked off. I didn't see the option of "none of your business" on the bill - which should be the ONLY OPTION!

Secondly, the doctor must report the type of procedure that is used for the termination. The options for the doctor to check use slang and non-medical terminology perpetuated by the anti-choicers - terminology such as "salt poisoning" and "partial birth abortion." This just makes me SO ANGRY.

And finally, the fiscal impact of this bill on the state department of health is outrageous. In order to comply with data collection for this bill, the state would have to hire three full time employees and spend $240,000! Because we couldn't use that money someone else, like say to fund child protective service or make sure that the children we have in this state are fed, sheltered, and healthy!!!!

If you are outraged too - contact your legislators and tell them that enough is enough!

SB 1878 a set back for everyone

Kudos goes out to Dr. Dana Stone of OKC for her article at Huffington Post regarding SB 1878. Dr. Stone puts the ramifications of this bill, set to go into law this November, in simple language and calls out to everyone to see this bill for what it really is. She says,

“Pro-choice and pro-live advocates alike should be appalled by this level of
government intrusion…Women’s advocates in other states need to watch for similar
attempts by their own legislators.”

You can view the entire article by clicking here.

Governor's Veto is Overridden

The right-wing legislators decided to take an unfortunate stand against the Governor last week, one that puts women's health in danger. After Governor Henry courageously took a stand to veto SB 1878 (see below), the anti-choice legislators must have been a bit afraid of the pro-choice voices in Oklahoma, for they acted so fast that we only had 13 hours to organize before a override vote came up in the Senate, and 30 minutes later, the House.

I want to thank everyone for the calls and emails to the Governor and to their Senators. I firmly believe that this makes a difference, even if the effects are slow to realize. It might not be this session, or next session, but your voices are being heard for future decisions.

In the wake of this defeat for women and families in Oklahoma, it's important to express your disappointment and use any anger you have for good. Consider getting more involved with local groups like Planned Parenthood so that you can have a more active role in what goes on at the Oklahoma State Capitol.

Governor Henry uses his Veto Power!

Last night, Governor Henry vetoed SB 1878 - an omnibus anti-choice bill! He needs to be applauded for standing up for women in Oklahoma. The Governor released a written statement that expressed his concern for the lack of rape and incest exception in the bill. He says,

"while I support reasonable restrictions on abortion, this legislation does not
provide an essential exemption for victims of rape and incest. By forcing the
victims of such horrific acts to undergo and view ultrasounds after they have
made such a difficult and heartbreaking decision, the state victimizes the
victim for a second time. It would be unconscionable to subject victims of rape
and incest to such treatment. Because of this critical flaw, I cannot in good
conscience sign this legislation."

But there is still work to be done! We need to make sure that the senate uphold the governor's veto by voting to sustain it. We are working hard, and so can you! Contact your state senator and urge him or her to vote to sustain the veto on SB 1878!

SB 1878 Alert

On Tuesday, a group of physicians, activists and grasstops spent the day at the state capitol trying to secure the seven votes needed to sustain a possible veto from Governor Henry. There were more "maybe" responses that we would have liked. Today, the Governor will veto or sign SB 1878. This is our last effort to get individuals to call, fax or email the Governor and the following list of senators.

Please consider contacting the following Senators and ask if they would support a veto on SB 1878:

Sen. Randy Bass (D) - 405-521-5567 Sen. Sean Burrage (D) - 405-521-5555 Sen. Charlie Laster (D) - 405-521-5539 Sen. Debbe Leftwich (D) - 405-521-5557 Sen. Susan Paddack (D) - 405-521-5541 Sen. Nancy Riley (D) - 405-521-5600 Sen. John Sparks (D) - 405-521-5553 Sen. Joe Sweeden (D) - 405-521-5581 Sen. Charles Wyrick (D) - 405-521-5561

Their email addresses are:
bass@oksenate.gov; burrage@oksenate.gov; laster@oksenate.gov; holland@oksenate.gov; paddack@oksenate.gov; rileyn@oksenate.gov; sparks@oksenate.gov; sweeden@oksenate.gov; wyrick@oksenate.gov;

I know that pro-choice Oklahoman’s have strong voices – use yours now to contact the Governor’s office and urge Governor Henry to veto SB 1878. You can do so by phone, fax, or email.

1. Call the Governor’s office at (405) 521-2342 and let them know you would like to see Governor Henry veto SB 1878,

2. Fax a letter to the Governor’s office at (405) 521-3353 that urges him to veto SB 1878, or

3. Send a message to Governor Henry through his website by clicking here.
And remember, TIME IS RUNNING OUT!