Oklahoma Senate Committee Hears and Rejects Abolition Bill

Dusty Deevers’ SB 456, the Abolition of Abortion Act, received a hearing in the Oklahoma Senate Judiciary Committee. After over an hour of robust debate over the bill, the committee ultimately voted down SB 456, in a 6-2 vote.  

Republicans vote to keep abortion legal for mothers

The following Republicans joined with Democrats to vote to keep abortion legal in Oklahoma: Senators Brent Howard, Todd Gollihare, Darcy Jech, and Paul Rosino. Meanwhile, Republican Senators Shane Jett and Lisa Standridge courageously voted for SB 456, casting historic votes to abolish abortion in Oklahoma. 

In introducing the bill, Senator Dusty Deevers began by stating a simple fact that many in the Pro-Life establishment wish to deny: “children are being murdered in our state.” Deevers explained that over 3,000 babies are still being murdered on Oklahoma soil by mothers ordering abortion pills to their homes and performing abortions on themselves. Deevers exhorted his colleagues, “preborn children are just as human as you and me…and they deserve to be protected with the same laws that protect you and me.”

Senator Shane Jett gave an impassioned speech in favor of the bill. Jett asserted, “I am hard pressed, besides Jesus Christ Himself, to find a more innocent human being than the one in a mother’s womb.” Jett continued, “you cannot have liberty and pursue happiness if your life is snuffed out. This is a fundamental American principle.” 

Speaking in opposition, Senator Todd Gollihare told Senator Deevers, “I do not see Christ in your bill” because “it does not do anything but expose women to a capital offense.” Chairman Brent Howard called SB 456 “a step too far,” when explaining his vote against the bill. 

Signs of Progress

The outcome of yesterday’s vote was a grievous slap in the face to preborn babies in Oklahoma. However, equal protection is advancing in Oklahoma. This session, six legislators joined Senator Deevers in co-authoring SB 456. These legislators included Senators Warren Hamilton, Avery Frix and Julie McIntosh, along with Representatives Gabe Woolley, Chris Sneed and Neil Hays. Additionally, the fact that the Abolition of Abortion Act received a hearing and a vote while being denied the same last session, is also a sign of significant progress.