ACLU of Oklahoma Statement on HB 1182

OKLAHOMA CITY — In response to today’s scheduled floor hearing of HB 1182, a bill equal to an abortion ban, the ACLU of Oklahoma released the following statement:

The following is attributable to Nicole McAfee, Director of Policy and Advocacy:

“Less than five days after members of the Oklahoma Legislature cheered the Governor’s commitment to reducing wasted taxpayer dollars, the first major piece of legislation to be considered this session on the House floor is HB 1182, an unconstitutional measure which undermines reproductive autonomy and inserts the government in private healthcare decisions by punishing abortion care providers. Yet another legal fight over yet another unconstitutional bill is an unfortunate misuse of power that our state cannot afford.

Across the country, politicians have created a web of medically unnecessary, politically-motivated restrictions that push abortion care out of reach for many, but particularly for low-income people, young people and people of color. And while this pandering attack is business as usual for the Oklahoma legislature, it is disappointing to see the body so quickly into session use their power to try and push this thinly veiled attempt at an abortion ban.

As we turn our eyes to the House floor for this scheduled vote, we call on leadership and legislators from across the aisle and across the state to stop this dangerous and stigmatizing attempt to score partisan political points. This session provides real opportunity for change, and instead of continuing to violate fundamental rights and liberties protected by the Constitution, the legislature should prioritize being good stewards of Oklahoma taxpayer dollars by focusing on issues like healthcare access, education funding, and criminal justice reform that require their urgent attention.”