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Henry's veto is overthrown

DISAPPOINTED

Henry: The governor says he knew sustaining the veto wouldn’t be easy.

 
By BARBARA HOBEROCK World Capitol Bureau
Published: 4/18/2008  12:59 AM
Last Modified: 4/18/2008  12:59 AM

An anti-abortion group lauds legislators for carrying the bill, which will become law Nov. 1.

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma Legislature on Thursday easily reversed Gov. Brad Henry's veto of a controversial abortion bill.

Henry late Wednesday vetoed the measure, which will require, among other things, women to get an ultrasound before having an abortion.

Henry said the measure didn't make exceptions for victims of rape and incest.

The Senate voted 37-11 to override the veto. Thirty-two votes were needed in the Senate, which is split: 24 Democrats and 24 Republicans.

Later, the GOP-controlled House overrode the veto 81-15. It takes 68 votes in the House for an override.

"We are deeply appreciative of the strong support of the Senate and the House for this important pro-life legislation," said Tony Lauinger, Oklahomans for Life chairman. "These votes represent an affirmation for the value of each human life and speaks well of our elected officials' commitment to the most vulnerable members of our human family: those waiting to be born."

Senate Bill 1878 will become law Nov. 1 without the governor's signature.

The veto override was the first since 1994, when Gov. David Walters was in office, according to Senate staff.

Henry said in a statement that he knew sustaining the veto would be an uphill battle, but he believed it was "important to fight to protect rape and incest victims from additional distress."

The measure requires women who seek an abortion to have an ultrasound within one hour of the procedure. Medical personnel must then provide an explanation of the ultrasound. They also must display the ultrasound so the woman can view it, although she may avert her eyes.

Henry said requiring a rape or incest victim to undergo an ultrasound and hear a detailed description was not morally responsible.

"Pro-life Oklahomans have supported similar protections for rape and incest victims in the past, and I am disappointed that legislators were unwilling to afford similar protections in this measure," Henry said.

The Senate author of the measure, Sen. Todd Lamb, R-Edmond, said Henry's veto message that the bill would force a woman to view the ultrasound was inaccurate.

Henry spokesman Paul Sund said Lamb omitted the fact that rape or incest victims will be forced to hear descriptions of the screen.

"In omitting those very key facts about what rape and incest victims are forced to do, Sen. Lamb is playing a disingenuous game of semantics or hasn't read his own bill," Sund said. "Either way, he does a great disservice to those victims."

The legislation requires minors who seek abortions to sign consent forms. It allows health-care providers to refuse to participate in abortions and bans wrongful-life lawsuits, which claim a baby would have been better off aborted.

The measure requires documentation when the chemical abortion pill RU-486 is prescribed and is used to ensure that it is given properly.

Last year, Henry vetoed a bill that prohibited the use of state funds or facilities for abortions, but he chose to let a subsequent version that provided exceptions for rape and incest victims become law without his signature.


Barbara Hoberock (405) 528-2465
barbara.hoberock@tulsaworld.com


Vote details

The state Senate voted 37-11 Thursday to override Gov. Brad Henry's veto of Senate Bill 1878, which deals with abortions.

Democrats voting for the measure (13): Randy Bass, Sean Burrage, Kenneth Corn, Mary Easley, Earl Garrison, Jay Paul Gumm, Tom Ivester, Charlie Laster, Susan Paddack, Nancy Riley, John Sparks, Joe Sweeden and Charles Wyrick.

Republicans voting for the measure (24): Cliff Aldridge, Patrick Anderson, Don Barrington, Brian Bingman, Cliff Branan, Randy Brogdon, Bill Brown, Harry Coates, Glenn Coffee, Brian Crain, John Ford, Mike Johnson, Clark Jolley, Ron Justice, Todd Lamb, Owen Laughlin, Mike Mazzei, David Myers, Jonathan Nichols, Jim Reynolds, Mike Schulz, Anthony Sykes, Kathleen Wilcoxson and James Williamson.

Democrats voting against the measure (11): Tom Adelson, Roger Ballenger, Johnnie Crutchfield, Judy Eason McIntyre, Constance Johnson, Debbe Leftwich, Richard Lerblance, Mike Morgan, Jeff Rabon, Andrew Rice and Jim Wilson.

Republicans voting against the measure: None.

The House of Representatives voted 81-15 Thursday to override Henry's veto.

Democrats voting for the measure (24): John Auffet, David Braddock, Neil Brannon, Mike Brown, John Carey, Joe Dorman, Jerry Ellis, Rebecca Hamilton, Terry Harrison, Wes Hilliard, Terry Hyman, Scott Inman, Lucky Lamons, Ray McCarter, Ryan McMullen, Danny Mor gan, Richard Morrissette, Anastasia Pittman, Eric Proctor, R.C. Pruett, Brian Renegar, Ben Sherrer, Jabar Shumate and Purcy Walker.

Republicans voting for the measure (57): Dennis Adkins, Don Armes, Gary Banz, Lisa Billy, Chris Benge, Gus Blackwell, Lance Cargill, Ann Coody, Marian Cooksey, David Dank, Lee Denney, David Derby, Dale DeWitt, Rex Duncan, John Enns, George Faught, Jeff Hickman, Terry Ingmire, Mike Jackson, Shane Jett, Dennis Johnson, Rob Johnson, Tad Jones, Fred Jordan, Charlie Joyner, Sally Kern, Charles Key, Guy Liebmann, Ken Luttrell, Scott Martin, Steve Martin, Mark McCullough, Randy McDaniel, Skye McNiel, Ken Miller, Jason Murphey, Ron Peters, Pam Peterson, Ron Peterson, Greg Piatt, Mike Reynolds, Phil Richardson, Colby Schwartz, Earl Sears, T.W. Shannon, Kris Steele, Dan Sullivan, Randy Terrill, Mike Thompson, Todd Thomsen, Sue Tibbs, John Trebilcock, Weldon Watson, Paul Wesselhoft, Susan Winchester, Trebor Worthen and John Wright.

Democrats voting against the measure (14): Scott BigHorse, Wallace Collins, James Covey, Darrell Gilbert, Larry Glenn, Chuck Hoskin, Ryan Kiesel, Al Lindley, Al McAffery, Jeannie McDaniel, Bill Nations, Wade Rousselot, Glen Smithson and Dale Turner.

Republicans voting against the measure (1): Doug Cox.

Excused (all Democrats) (5): Ed Cannady, Jerry McPeak, Paul Roan, Mike Shelton and Jerry Shoemake.

By BARBARA HOBEROCK World Capitol Bureau

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Report Comment
Justin, Tulsa (4/18/2008 1:22:16 AM)
"Henry said requiring a rape or incest victim to undergo an ultrasound and hear a detailed description was not morally responsible."

Don't force YOUR morals on me, Governor Henry.
Report Comment
justdesert, Waderoe (4/18/2008 2:58:34 AM)
But it's OK for someone to force their penis and sperm on someone?
Report Comment
Sara, Tulsa (4/18/2008 4:17:21 AM)
Brad Henry is out of touch with Oklahomans.
Report Comment
Big Me, Tulsa (4/18/2008 4:42:02 AM)
It's nice when all the pro-rape and pro-incest crowd show up - they're comments are always lots of fun! Personally, I'd like to see a law passed that forces women who are about to get breast reductions to have to look at pics of how horrible they will look afterwards. Sure I know it's "their body" and all, but I think we all should have a say-so in what they do with it...
Report Comment
Jason O'Brien, Sapulpa (4/18/2008 5:28:47 AM)
Hey, Tulsa World...

Civics lesson time. Henry's veto was OVERRIDDEN, not overhrown. Leaders are overthrown. Wish Henry would be overthrown.
Report Comment
Dover, (4/18/2008 6:21:57 AM)
Men shouldnt even be allowed to comment on situations that involve women and only a womans body. I still say people need to mind their own business when it comes to personal decisions. If a woman doesnt want the baby, No laws will stop her from getting rid of it through any means. She will even cause serious problems to herself and possibly even a life or death situation. I would love to see some of you down with abortion people have to deal with that from one of your family members.
Report Comment
mike, tulsa (4/18/2008 6:34:02 AM)
talk about forcing morals Justin, another victory for the controling thought police branch of the Neo'e
Report Comment
Hijinx, (4/18/2008 6:41:09 AM)
So I can hear it now, the nurse tells the victim “O look the baby has his father’s eyes who ever that might be” “ARE YOU SURE you want to do this? I mean you obviously haven’t thought about it before you got here “ “O look here, I mean you cant really make it out cuz the zygote is so small but I think its got curly hair” “are you sure I cant talk you out of it cuz the zealots at the capital think they know better than you about this?” “here take these pictures with you as a token of the states will that’s been forced on you” The bible thumpers just legislated another expense is all. Nothing will change
Report Comment
Been there, (4/18/2008 6:45:59 AM)
An unnecessary MANDATORY ultrasound is a waste of medical personnel and money. An OPTIONAL ultrasound would be more appropriate for the indecisive woman.

To request an abortion is a difficult PERSONAL decision.
Keep legislation out of personal decisions.
Report Comment
Jason O'Brien, Sapulpa (4/18/2008 6:55:38 AM)
Don't want the baby? Adoption (oops...there's that word again). Plenty of people who cannot have a baby would love one that is unwanted by the biologicos. I know, I'm simple minded but being the child of someone who was adopted I am more than thankful that my wacko biological grandmother didn't have the abortion option (I don't know if she was raped or had an illicit fling or what, nor do I care). Otherwise, I probably wouldn't be here. And I dare anyone to tell me that, because of my opinion, that she should have had an abortion. I would never suggest that to someone who is in favor of abortion. Do me the same courtesy.
Report Comment
never, tulsa (4/18/2008 7:13:25 AM)
6. 4/18/2008 6:21:57 AM, Dover,
Men shouldnt even be allowed to comment on situations that involve women and only a womans body. I still say people need to mind their own business when it comes to personal decisions. If a woman doesnt want the baby, No laws will stop her from getting rid of it through any means.
///
that would be just great
yet you women should never ask a man for money
ever.
Report Comment
Hijinx, (4/18/2008 7:14:47 AM)
TO Jason O'Brien
Quote: Civics lesson time. Henry's veto was OVERRIDDEN, not overhrown.
If your going to be anal and nitpicky about ever little thing, try a spell check.
I mean, just a thought.
Report Comment
shampoo, tulsa (4/18/2008 7:16:19 AM)
the best collogen in expensive hair products comes from aborted babies. I would rather have shiny hair than to pay for those future welfare recipients.
Report Comment
Chris, (4/18/2008 7:34:34 AM)
Hey Hijinx, if you're so smart, tell us how spell check is going to pick up the misuse of overthrown. Just like spell check wouldn't have caught "ever" instead of "every" in your rant. Just a thought.
Report Comment
Thom, Tulsa (4/18/2008 7:36:35 AM)
Justin, unless you have a uterus, NOTHING is being forced on you.
Report Comment
planned parent hood, tulsa (4/18/2008 7:38:18 AM)
I am a planned parent supporter
i feel overthrown
not over ridden. the term is correct.
Report Comment
sshanks, tulsa (4/18/2008 7:41:03 AM)
What will be next, mandatory church attendance?
I see another civil war in the making. Wait & see.
I need to find a case of tea to throw in the lake.
Report Comment
chet, Tulsa (4/18/2008 7:50:16 AM)
13. 4/18/2008 7:16:19 AM, shampoo, tulsa
the best collogen in expensive hair products comes from aborted babies. I would rather have shiny hair than to pay for those future welfare recipients.

This is not true. Google it yourselves. This topic is already difficult enough without spreading lies about it.
Report Comment
Anastasia, Tulsa (4/18/2008 7:58:06 AM)
I'm so glad to know I've moved to a state where women are nothing but a uterus for men to inflict their sperm upon and second class citizens. God forbid a man be told no. Just go ahead, rape her and don't bother to slip on a condom. Then fight so she can't abort if you impregnate her. A woman who doesn't consent to sex shouldn't have to go through this crap to have an abortion. She's being punished twice and why? Because she has a uterus and and the fundie crowd are insane.
Report Comment
Hijinx, (4/18/2008 7:59:39 AM)
You mean I should have said "who every that might be"? LOL. What the heck is your problem? You think it’s your responsibility to correct the editors who do this for a living? Maybe you can get on at the World as a proof reader and all around grumpy old fart.
Report Comment
M, Tulsa (4/18/2008 8:10:41 AM)
THANK GOD,FOR THE BABIES.
FOR ME.I PLAN TO WORK, TO VOTE OUT THE SENATOR, IN MY AREA .WHO VOTED AGAINST THIS Law, AND TO VOTE IN, PRO-LIFE LEGISLATURES.
I AM WAY PAST CHILD BEARING AGE.
IN MYOPINION,ALL LIFE IS SACRED,I WANT MY LEGISTATURES, TO VOTE FOR LEGISLATION, THAT WILL PROTECT PERSONS of MY AGE POPULATION,ALSO,THE MAN/WOMAN WHO PROTECTS BABIES WILL PROTECT ALL HUMAN LIFE.
Report Comment
Joshua, (4/18/2008 8:19:04 AM)
You know one thing I've never understood about the pro-choice arguement? Child support.

IMO, if abortion is going to be legal the father should have the option of paying half the abortion cost, rather or not the mother wants an abortion. If he does he is absolved from all parental rights and responsibilities. Yes, that means no child support.

Why? Because it's "his" body. Why should the female who he may or may not be with any longer be able to demand he work and provide her with the fruits of his labor for 18 + years? Women just want to be able to control men and have power over them.

Sound ridiculous? Yeah, we think so to.
Report Comment
Joshua, (4/18/2008 8:23:17 AM)
17. 4/18/2008 7:41:03 AM, sshanks, tulsa

If you think this will cause a civil war, heck a civil disobedience, you've got far more faith in people than I do. Look at all that we put up with from the government as it is,
Report Comment
Stephanie, Tulsa (4/18/2008 8:49:12 AM)
Dad bum it, Jason finally figured us women out. All we want is your money and to control you, and the best part is the power. As long as men like you decide to act like little boys it will not take much to control you. I am drunk on the power.

The whole abortion issue is such a personal decision. I had an ultra sound when I became pregnant fresh out of college, without a clue of what to do. My now 22 year son is pretty happy I didn't have the abortion. And no Jason, I did not make his dad pay a dime, I do not have control or power over him. I figured it was easier to take care of my child myself and not deal with a man who wanted no part of him. We were both better off.

The women do not have to look at the ultra sound. If this keeps some women from using abortion as a birth control, then I am all for it.
Report Comment
Matthew, Tulsa (4/18/2008 8:55:39 AM)
Ladies and gentlemen...welcome to Oklahoma, the jewel of Sub-Saharan Africa!!
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