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Okla. Legislature overrides another abortion veto
The Oklahoma Legislature overrode Gov. 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.
The Senate voted 33-15 on Tuesday to override the Democratic governor's veto. The House easily voted to override the veto on Monday.
Of the eight abortion-related bills the Republican-controlled Legislature has passed this session, Henry vetoed two others. One, which would require women to undergo an ultrasound and listen to a detailed description of the fetus before receiving an abortion, is on hold because of a legal challenge.
"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."
The most recent measure will "very likely" see a legal challenge, said Stephanie Toti, a staff attorney for the Center for Reproductive Rights. The New York-based group has also challenged the ultrasound law.