OK Governor Makes Courageous Veto

Oklahoma's popular Democratic Governor made the most controversial move of his political career yesterday. He vetoed a bill that would restrict access to abortion.

Under the advice of the Oklahoma State Medical Association, the Oklahoma section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Osteopathic Association and the Oklahoma Nurses' Association, Governor Brad Henry vetoed a bill that did not include exemptions for rape and incest victims or for women with fetuses that have fatal birth defects.

Here's a quote from Governor Henry:

I do not issue this veto lightly. I believe every abortion is a tragedy, and I have a strong record of support for commonsense, reasonable restrictions on abortion. Although I have no doubt SB 714 is well-intentioned, I have grave concerns that its inadvertent consequences would prove disastrous.

First and foremost, the measure is flawed in that it does notinclude exemptions for cases of incest and rape. That means many victims of rape or incest would have no option but to carry a fetus to term, no matter how horrific and violent the circumstances.

In addition, I share the concerns of a majority of medical experts who believe this bill would severely compromise healthcare in our state by placing undue restrictions on the sacred relationship between doctor and patient. Under this measure, a woman may have no option but to carry to term a fetus with a fatal birth defect. There are a number of fatal birth defects in which there is no chance of survival, and yet SB 714 would add to a family's suffering and medical costs by forcing a woman to carry that fetus to term.

I commend Governor Henry for the courage he demonstrates with this veto.

It will not be a popular veto in Oklahoma and may well be overturned in the state legislature.

It was just the right thing to do for women facing tragic decisions.