"Okla. legislators override abortion bill veto" by Associated Press | May 26, 2010
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Legislature overrode Governor Brad Henry’s veto of an abortion bill that will require women seeking abortions to complete lengthy questionnaires beforehand about their finances, education, and relationships....
“It’s disappointing because every veto override just triggers more lawsuits and legal bills for taxpayers,’’ said Henry spokesman Paul Sund. “Similar abortion laws passed by the Legislature were challenged and thrown out by the courts last year, and the latest versions are probably headed for the same fate.’’
Since when has the state cared about taxpayers?
The most recent measure will “very likely’’ see a legal challenge, said Stephanie Toti, a staff attorney for the Center for Reproductive Rights....
The most recent bill mandates that women complete a 38-question form, which includes multiple subsections, answering questions about their race, education, income, relationships, and reasons for seeking an abortion.
Doctors will be required to fill out an 11-question form about any complications that arise during the procedure. Those who fail to comply could face fines or the loss of their licenses....
Republican Senator Jim Reynolds of Oklahoma City, who opposes abortion, voted against the bill and said he found it “appalling’’ that information from a personal questionnaire regarding a medical procedure would be provided to a government entity.
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