Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1167

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/8/22

Caption

Abortion; creating the Every Mother Matters Act; requiring certain assessment and offer of assistance; directing creation of authentication system. Effective date.

Impact

The legislation not only establishes an informed consent procedure but also introduces a system requiring the State Department of Health to create an authentication mechanism for verifying whether the necessary resource access offer was provided to the pregnant woman. Additionally, it requires care agents who offer this assistance to meet specific qualifications, thereby regulating who can provide such services and ensuring they comply with medical and privacy laws.

Summary

Senate Bill 1167, known as the Every Mother Matters Act, introduces provisions for additional requirements around obtaining an abortion in the state of Oklahoma. The bill mandates that prior to an abortion, a physician must confirm that the pregnant woman has received a pre-abortion resource access assistance offer. This assistance includes various social services aimed at supporting the woman throughout her pregnancy and beyond, irrespective of her decision to proceed with the abortion.

Contention

This legislation faces criticism for potentially infringing on a woman's right to choose an abortion and for complicating the abortion process with additional bureaucratic steps. Critics argue that requiring resource access offers before an abortion may coerce women against their will, and contend that the bill aims to dissuade women from choosing abortion by placing more barriers in their way. Proponents of the bill, however, argue it serves to protect vulnerable women by providing them with crucial support options and information before making such a significant decision.