Senate Democrats comment on passage of HB 1168, creating felony for legal medication

OKLAHOMA CITY – Members of the Senate Democratic Caucus issued statements Thursday after Senate passage of House Bill 1168, creating a felony based on the use of legal medication.

“This bill invades the private medical care of patients. The bill creates a political standard of care that puts politics over people.” – Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City. 

"If our goal is truly to support life, then we should be investing in prenatal care, postpartum support, and access to health care – not expanding felony penalties on Oklahomans. This bill does not make our state safer. It does not make our health care system stronger. And it does not serve the well-being of families." – Senate Assistant Democratic Leader Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City.

“Hearing a miscarriage described as murder does not properly speak to this highly personal situation. We’re also talking about women who have been victims of rape and incest – these are medical and moral decisions that should not be determined by legislators.”– Senate Deputy Assistant Democratic Leader Regina Goodwin, D-Tulsa.

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For more information, contact: 
Sen. Julia Kirt: 405-521-5636 or Julia.Kirt@oksenate.gov
Sen. Carri Hicks: 405-521-5543 or Carri.Hicks@oksenate.gov     
Sen. Regina Goodwin: 405-521-5598 or Regina.Goodwin@oksenate.gov