Patients In Oklahoma Reacting To New Abortion Law

By Chris Wright, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Oklahoma's controversial new abortion law went into effect Tuesday, and it's already causing a stir.

A Tulsa clinic says women have yet to cancel any abortions, but the new ultrasound requirements are drawing an emotional response from patients.

"It's really nobody's business. Only the people directly involved," Sue Ames, of Reproductive Services, said.

Despite that sentiment, Reproductive Services has already implemented the state's new abortion law. It requires women seeking an abortion to first undergo an ultrasound, and then listen to a detailed description of the fetus.

Counselor Sue Ames says her clinic already performs ultrasounds, but until now has never forced women to look at the results.

"We'll do what the state mandates," Ames said. "We're really disappointed it's gone this way."

"Once they see that moving baby, we know that's saving a life," said Mike Jestes, with the Oklahoma Family Policy Council.

Mike Jestes's Oklahoma Family Policy council has been a strong supporter of the law. He says the legislature's vote to overturn Governor Henry's veto reflects the will of the people, and says women considering an abortion deserve as much information as possible.

"I think the statistics are there that a woman who sees an ultrasound chooses life over death," he said. "We're not talking about a decision that can be undone."

The new law may be undone. Its constitutionality is already being challenged in court. But until that is sorted out, the law will continue to fuel the fire between pro-life and pro-choice supporters.

"It's a frightening thing for those of us who are pro choice. It should be frightening for all women," Ames said. "Seems as though the legislature doesn't respect women."

"Is it a victory? I think it will be a victory when Roe vs Wade is overturned," Jestes said. "But until then we'll take every increment of protecting life."

The law also requires doctors to turn the screen with ultrasound images towards the patient. Reproductive Services says, so far, most women are refusing to look at the image.

The company that owns Reproductive Services, Nova Health Systems, is part of the lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the new law.

4/28/10 Related Story: Clinic: New Oklahoma Abortion Law Is Making It Hard On Patients