Fallin endorses pro-life stance at Rose Day rally
BY BARBARA HOBEROCK World Capitol Bureau
Thursday, February 07, 2013
2/07/13 at 6:23 AM
OKLAHOMA CITY - Gov. Mary Fallin on Wednesday told a standing room-only crowd in the House chamber and gallery that being pro-life is not political but personal for her.
Hundreds attended the 22nd annual Rose Day Pro-Life Rally at the Capitol, where Oklahomans for Life Chairman Tony Lauinger was recognized along with pro-life lawmakers.
Participants handed out roses to signify their commitment to protecting life.
Fallin held up a picture of her son, Price Fallin, with whom she was pregnant when she successfully ran for the Oklahoma House in 1990.
Price Fallin is a senior at the University of Oklahoma and was president of his fraternity, she said. Her daughter is Christina Fallin.
"I tell you all that to say that life matters," the governor said. "Taking a position where you really stand on issues is really important."
Fallin said pregnancy is not a liability or a disqualification for success.
"It may be at times unexpected or it may change our plans that we have in life, not in a bad way," she said. "But no life is worth destroying for convenience. Life is a gift from God."
The governor said she is happy her administration has been able to sign pro-life protections.
The state is ranked the second-most pro-life state in the nation, Fallin said.
"I am proud of that," she said.
Rep. Pam Peterson, R-Tulsa, thanked participants for celebrating life.
Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb said Rose Day is the most encouraging day at the Capitol.
"Oklahoma over the years very recently has become a much, much, much safer place to be in the womb and greater opportunity to be born," he said. "Lawmakers pass laws, but you encourage them and you pray for them, which is even more important."
The Oklahoma Supreme Court recently has tossed out two laws putting restrictions on abortions. It also quashed a proposed initiative petition seeking to put in the ballot a measure declaring personhood at conception.
Original Print Headline: Fallin endorses pro-life stance at rally
Barbara Hoberock 405-528-2465
barbara.hoberock@tulsaworld.com
Associated Images:
Sen. Bill Brown, R-Broken Arrow, accepts a rose from Brenda Moyse of Broken Arrow in his office during Rose Day at the state Capitol on Wednesday. PAUL B. SOUTHERLAND/The Oklahoman
Gov. Mary Fallin waves to visitors in the House gallery while speaking during Rose Day at the state Capitol. PAUL B. SOUTHERLAND/The Oklahoman
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