Anti-Abortion Bill Approved

Wednesday, May 16th 2007, 12:56 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A second bill to prohibit the use of taxpayer funds and state facilities for abortions is heading to the governor after passing the state Senate Wednesday by a wide margin. The bill was approved on a 34-to-14 vote after more than two hours of emotional debate.

The governor vetoed the first bill and two attempts to override the veto failed by one vote in the Senate.

The new bill was changed to allow abortions in case of rape or incest and does not affect elective abortions at private hospitals or clinics.

Opponents say the bill only affects poor women with difficult pregnancies who usually go to the University of Oklahoma Medical School.

Sponsor state Senator James Williamson of Tulsa says the state shouldn't be in the abortion business.