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October 23, 2023
Misunderstood Terms: Miscarriage, the spontaneous abortion!
Miscarriages are extremely common, occurring in up to an estimated 30% of all pregnancies. However, pregnancy loss is often misunderstood and can be confusing. Spontaneous abortion is a medical term for a miscarriage. It is the loss of pregnancy naturally before twenty weeks of gestation, also referred to as a ‘miscarriage’ to avoid association with induced abortion. Approximately 10-20% of pregnancies that have been confirmed by testing result in a miscarriage by 13 weeks. Estimates are as high as 31% to 50% when including individuals who miscarry before knowing they are pregnant.
At a time when abortion restrictions around the country are increasing, laws may limit providers’ ability to manage pregnancy loss and women experiencing pregnancy loss may be investigated to prove their miscarriages were unintentional. Policies aimed at limiting abortion have negative consequences on people experiencing pregnancy loss.
The Impact of Abortion Policies on Pregnancy Loss Care
Recent legislation restricting abortion and increasing laws and regulations designed to provide “fetal protection” can impact patients experiencing pregnancy loss. Below outlines how restrictions aimed at abortion may have consequences for pregnancy loss care:
Training - Almost all of the methods used to manage miscarriages and stillbirths are identical to those used in abortions. Therefore, the clinical training necessary to safely manage a patient experiencing a pregnancy loss is very similar to that needed to perform abortions. As such, medical residents at religiously affiliated hospitals or in states with restrictive abortion laws may struggle to obtain the necessary training and caseload to become proficient in these skills.
Treatment - Limiting medical treatment options available for both pregnancy loss and abortion.
Confidentiality and Privacy Concerns - Altering the Patient-Provider Relationship. People experiencing pregnancy loss may be deterred from seeking medical care, particularly in places hostile to abortion.
How can abortion restrictions result in the criminalization of pregnancy loss? In 2019, If/When/How Legal Team4 found 6 states with laws retained from before Roe v. Wade that directly criminalize self-managed abortions (AZ, DE, ID, NV, OK, SC), and examples of their enforcement after 1973.
Legislation surrounding "personhood" has been used to criminalize women who experience pregnancy loss and the clinicians who manage their care. “Personhood” laws seek to grant full personhood, and thus full protection under the law, to the earliest stages of human development, including fertilized eggs. Colorado, Mississippi, Oklahoma, North Dakota, and Kansas have also introduced legislation to grant personhood rights as early as fertilization, however, these were not enacted.
Abortion is often the treatment of choice for miscarriages, and remarkably, the same medications, Mifepristone and Misoprostol, can be used for this purpose. Misoprostol and Mifepristone are safe and effective medications for managing pregnancy loss, including miscarriages and abortions. In cases of missed or incomplete miscarriages, these medications are employed to safely and effectively manage the situation. This approach not only offers a more compassionate and less invasive option but also provides a measure of control during a difficult time, allowing for a more private and patient-centered experience.
September 14, 2023
“pro-life” laws that almost killed an Oklahoma woman… who is to blame?
On Tuesday, the Center for Reproductive Rights filed a complaint on behalf of Jaci Statton from Meeker, Oklahoma. The complaint, filed with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, alleges that Oklahoma Children’s Hospital — OU Health violated the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) by denying Jaci Statton a crucial abortion.
The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act requires hospitals that accept Medicare and Medicaid funds to provide the treatment necessary to stabilize a patient seeking care for an emergency medical condition. CMS includes pregnancy termination as an example of “stabilizing treatment” hospitals can be required to provide, according to the complaint.
In response to the overturning of Roe v. Wade last year, Oklahoma's Legislature and Governor Kevin Stitt quickly approved multiple abortion bans. These restrictive policies have put the lives of women like Jaci Statton in grave danger. Jaci was denied a life-saving abortion and was forced to embark on a harrowing journey of over 200 miles to access the care she needed in Kansas.
Jaci Statton told reporters in a press conference on Tuesday, “Oklahoma’s laws nearly killed me. This is what the maternal care during an emergency — an OB emergency — looks like under these abortion bans. We will never get over what happened to us. Turned away from so many hospitals where skilled and caring doctors could not act to save my life.”
It is essential to emphasize the inherent injustice in a state passing laws that not only criminalize doctors with felony charges, potentially leading to life in prison, but also subject them to lawsuits. Perhaps it is time the lawmakers and the Governor responsible for these policies should be held accountable for their actions and should be on the receiving end of these lawsuits.
The Center for Reproductive Rights officials hope that seeking federal action can prevent similar situations from happening to other Oklahomans seeking life-saving abortions.
This situation never should have come to this point. Our state should prioritize the well-being and autonomy of its citizens, not endanger their lives through misguided policies.
August 28, 2023
The era and abortion
The celebration of Women's Equality Day last Saturday prompted us to reflect on the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) and how it would affect abortion rights.
The ERA is a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution that aims to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex. The ERA was proposed in 1923, rewritten in 1943, and adopted by Congress in 1972. Members of both parties supported the amendment — in fact, Republicans made it part of their platform well before Democrats, who were nervous it could deny women and children New Deal protections. The amendment fell three states short of ratification by the Congress-imposed deadline of 1982 and was never adopted. But in 2017 Nevada ratified the ERA; the first state in 40 years to do so; Illinois ratified in 2018 and Virginia became the 38th state to ratify it on January 27th, 2020.
The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) and the topic of abortion are distinct but interconnected aspects of women’s rights and reproductive freedom. While it does not explicitly address abortion, the ERA could have significant implications for reproductive rights by reinforcing the principle of gender equality within legal framework.
The ERA would allow lawsuits to be filed to challenge state bans on abortion, arguing that such laws are a form of sex discrimination under the Constitution. Roe V. Wade, the right to abortion was based on privacy instead of being protected by the constitution’s promise of equality.
Most Americans support gender equality, even if they don't identify as feminists according to a Pew Research Center survey that comes 100 years after the ratification of the 19th Amendment.
The deadline for the proposal to become an amendment never extended beyond 1982 but on January 31, 2023, both the House and Senate introduced joint resolutions affirming the validity of the Equal Rights Amendment removing the time limit in the preamble. Last April, the Senate fell 9 votes shy of the 60 needed for the resolution to pass. The ERA Coalition will continue pursuing all avenues to push for full recognition.
August 23, 2023
Political Standard of Care
The recent article “The criminalisation of women’s healthcare in the post-Dobbs era: an analysis of the anti-abortion trigger law statutes” published by The European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Healthcare shows how medical laws restricting access to abortion undermine the physician-patient relationship and the complexity of medical decision making, creating a ‘political standard of care’ that replaces evidence-based medical care.
Anti-abortion trigger laws went into effect in 13 states as a result of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe. Trigger laws have several impacts on physicians from professional ethics and autonomy, to conflicts with medical decision-making, barriers to timely care, they exacerbate existing healthcare disparities and complicate patient-physician relationships built on trust and open communication, not to mention the moral and emotional toll.
Oklahoma currently has three overlapping laws prohibiting and criminalizing abortion. These laws focus on punishment for people who perform or help perform abortions.
Penalty Example:
1910 Criminal Ban (effective June 24, 2022)
Imposed felony punishable by 2-5 years’ imprisonment for “person who administers to any woman, or who prescribes for any woman to take any medicine, drug or substance or uses or employs an instrument or other means whatever with the intent thereby to produce a miscarriage.”
An additional complication in Oklahoma is that the Oklahoma homicide statute includes ‘killing of an unborn child’, a felony punishable by up to life in prison.
Although some states provide exemptions if the patient’s life is in danger, some do not, and others are silent on the matter. On March 21, 2023, the Oklahoma Supreme Court declared that a pregnant woman has the right to an abortion if necessary, to a reasonable degree of medical certainty, to save her life. Despite this ruling, a study done last April highlights how abortion laws in Oklahoma fuel confusion about clinicians’ ability to provide care during obstetric emergencies, even when the lives, health, and safety of pregnant people are at stake. "Not a single hospital in Oklahoma appeared to be able to articulate clear, consistent policies for emergency obstetric care..."
Extreme anti-abortion laws undermine the core principles of patient-centered care by dictating the range of options physicians can offer, regardless of a patient's unique circumstances. Life-threatening reasons that necessitate abortion represent some of the gravest and most urgent medical scenarios a patient may face. In cases such as ectopic pregnancy, pulmonary hypertension, intrauterine infection, cancer, placental abruption/previa, previable pre-labor rupture of membranes (PROM), severe cases of preeclampsia, and antepartum sepsis the decision to terminate a pregnancy becomes a critical intervention to safeguard the well-being of the individual.
In her article, Domanski said, "Legislatures are not medical organizations, yet have inserted their statutes into the doctor-patient relationship with the effective result of denying reproductive healthcare."
"Carelessly establishing a political standard of reproductive healthcare is irresponsible and will put patients and physicians at needless and preventable risk. Laws denying reproductive healthcare by prosecuting physicians providing evidence-based medicine is an unethical use of the power of the state against its own citizens."
August 2, 2023
oklahoma women deserve better!
Following yesterday's action by Governor Stitt to sign into law via Executive Order a so-called "Women's Bill of Rights," We Are Rising has released the following statement from founding Board of Directors President, Liz McLaughlin.
“Today’s so-called ‘Women’s Bill of Rights’ Executive order is nothing more than a distraction to the real work that needs to happen to make Oklahoma a safer and healthier place for women.
If we want to be better than DEAD LAST in almost every statistic when it comes to health, safety, and well-being of women, we can start by calling today’s Executive Order what it is — a political stunt.
OKLAHOMA WOMEN DESERVE BETTER.”
We are reaching out to you today to invite you to join a movement that's dedicated to cutting through the political theater and advocating for real change in Oklahoma. It's no secret that important issues often get lost in the noise of political posturing and empty promises. But we believe that it's time to put an end to this and focus on what truly matters – the rights, safety, and well-being of women and girls in our state.
Please share the following article from The Oklahoman and invite others to join the movement. Together, we can create a future where women and girls in Oklahoma can thrive, free from the constraints of political drama.
July 24, 2023
Zurawski V Texas
The case of Zurawski V Texas has captured the attention of legal enthusiasts and concerned citizens alike. At its core, this legal battle revolves around women denied abortions despite pregnancy complications that threatened their lives, health, and future fertility.
The Center for Reproductive Rights filed Zurawski v. State of Texas on behalf of seven original plaintiffs: five Texas women denied abortion care and two Texas obstetrician-gynecologists. After the original case was filed, many Texans came forward to tell their stories about being denied abortion care, and eight more women joined the case as additional plaintiffs on May 22, 2023, bringing the total number of plaintiffs to 15.
On July 19-20, 2023, a hearing was held in Texas state court addressing the paintiffs’ request and the state’s attempt to dismiss the case. Five of the plaintiffs in the case—four women denied abortions and an OB-GYN—provided testimony at the hearing, along with two experts in obstetrics and emergency medicine. Read a wrap-up of the hearing here.
Let us approach the outcome of the Zurawski v.Texas case with patience and an unwavering commitment to justice. As we await the court's verdict, let us also remember that our society thrives when we can engage in constructive conversations while upholding the principles of fairness and compassion. The anticipation of the verdict hangs heavy in the air, as the outcome could potentially have far-reaching consequences for laws denying women access to necessary healthcare.
capitol news and notes
The Oklahoma Senate’s second attempt to override Gov. Kevin Stitt’s veto and renew tobacco tax compacts with tribal nations passed Monday in a special session vote.
A second override vote involving the extension of vehicle registration compacts also was approved by lawmakers.
The override process is complete now on the vehicle registration compacts, but the House must still vote to pass the tobacco tax compacts, a vote that could take place later this month.
Learn more about today's legislative action here: - Oklahoma Senate overrides tribal tobacco compact veto from Stitt (oklahoman.com)
July 18, 2023
Life or death: abortion bans and maternal deaths
Abortion bans can have significant consequences for women's health, including an increase in maternal deaths. When safe and legal abortion options are restricted, some women may resort to unsafe methods or seek abortions from unqualified individuals, which can lead to complications and fatalities. It is important to note that the relationship between abortion bans and maternal mortality rates can be complex and influenced by various factors such as healthcare access, socioeconomic conditions, and the availability of alternative reproductive health services.
Women in states with abortion bans are nearly three times more likely to die during pregnancy, childbirth or soon after giving birth, according to a report from the Gender Equity Policy Institute shared first with Axios.
The U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed nations, and government officials and health experts are concerned that conditions will worsen now that a federal right to abortion has been struck down.
According to this Axios article highlighting maternal mortality post-Roe, maternal death rates in states with "trigger" laws are on average almost two times higher than those in states with laws protecting abortion access.
History proves that abortions won't stop simply because they’re illegal, but creating policies that ensure safe and legal access to abortion care will prevent unnecessary medical complications and save lives.
capitol news and notes
The Senate will continue the special session one week from today to attempt to override Governor Stitt's's vetoes of two bills: SB 26X and HB1005X.
SB 26X would allow the tobacco tax compacts between the state and Native American tribes to be extended through 2024.
HB1005X would allow the motor vehicle tax compacts to be extended through 2024.
July 10, 2023
the road to access reproductive healthcare
Last week the Oklahoman shared an article where statistics showed more than 2,100 women went to other states seeking reproductive care in 2022. Oklahoma's controversial abortion legislation has sparked widespread debate, as proponents argue for stricter abortion regulations while opponents emphasize the importance of a woman's right to choose. As a result of our state's abortion laws, women in Oklahoma are forced to travel across state lines to access safe and legal abortion services.
States such as Colorado, New Mexico, and Kansas have become common destinations for women seeking reproductive care.
A new report from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment shows that 2,026 Oklahoma residents received an abortion in that state in 2022, up from 137 in 2021. In Colorado, 198 Oklahomans received abortions last year, up from 12 in 2021, according to that state’s Department of Public Health and Environment.
A recent NPR article shows just a little over a year ago, "less than 1% of the U.S. population was more than 200 miles from a provider and the average person was 25 miles from a provider. As of April 2023, she says, 14% of the population is more than 200 miles from the nearest abortion facility, and the average American is 86 miles from a provider."
This has a profound impact on Oklahomans. This situation places an additional burden on women who may already face various challenges, such as financial constraints, limited transportation, and logistical complications. Abortion ban's implications go beyond the physical act of traveling to another state. Women face additional financial burdens associated with travel costs, childcare, accommodations, and potentially lost wages due to time away from work. Moreover, the emotional toll of navigating an already challenging decision amidst legal restrictions can exacerbate the stress and anxiety experienced by women seeking reproductive health care services.
We ARE rising book club
What We’re Reading This Month:
Trust Women - A Progressive Christian Argument For Reproductive Justice by Rebecca Todd Peters
Unplanned pregnancy and abortion are a normal part of women’s reproductive lives. Roughly 1/3 of US women will have an abortion by age 45, and 50-60% of the women who have abortions were using birth control during the month they got pregnant. Yet women who have abortions are routinely shamed and judged.
Rebecca Todd Peters, a Presbyterian minister and social ethicist, argues that this shaming and judging reflects deep, often unspoken patriarchal and racist assumptions about women and women’s sexual activity. These assumptions are at the heart of what she calls the justification framework, which governs our public debate about abortion and disrupts our ability to have authentic public discussions about the health and well-being of women and their families.
June 26, 2023
The scientific story of the fall of roe
One year after the landmark Supreme Court decision in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which involved the constitutionality of a Mississippi law restricting access to abortion, polling results indicate a significant shift in public opinion and attitudes towards reproductive rights.
According to the article The one-year (scientific) story of the fall of Roe v. Wade (substack.com) we can see the impact of the decision continues to reverberate through society, shaping ongoing discussions and potentially influencing future legal battles related to reproductive rights.
Not to anyone’s surprise, a number of states quickly banned or heavily restricted abortions. This means, today, 1 in 4 women of reproductive age live where an abortion is banned or heavily restricted.
The change in the number of abortions is unclear, but we know there have been 25,640 fewer legal abortions after Roe fell compared to before. It’s not clear whether the laws have actually reduced the number of abortions on a national level. Did these people remain pregnant or did they obtain an abortion outside the legal system?
Requests for medication abortion has increased. Clinical abortion is not the only option for women. There is a very safe and effective alternative that people can access online and take at home—medication abortion. A JAMA Network study found:
More than 42,000 requests for abortion medications across 30 states.
Requests in every state, regardless of policy, increased after the leak and the formal announcement.
States with total bans had the highest increase in requests. Louisiana had the most medication requests followed by Mississippi and Arkansas.
There is some good news.
1. More public support for abortions than ever before.
2. Media is highlighting abortions more. Abortion Onscreen found more abortion plotlines on TV than any previous year, which will help normalize abortion care.
TV highlighted barriers to access more than in previous years, which is helpful in more accurately depicting the situation.
However, 80% of characters were white and portrayed as middle class (45%) or wealthy (35%), which does not represent reality.
Numerous polls conducted across the country have revealed a divided and evolving sentiment regarding abortion. Key takeaways:
Majorities continue to support abortion rights and access, with support holding steady at around six in 10.
Nearly eight in 10 adults think that the decision of whether or not to have an abortion should be left to the woman and her doctor.
Voters support access to medication abortion and do not think that judges should interfere in the FDA’s approval of mifepristone.
Nearly seven in 10 people are dissatisfied with the nation’s policies regarding abortion access. This represents the lowest satisfaction and highest dissatisfaction in 23 years.
More Republicans are split on support for abortion, whereas Democrats are more united.
One poll finds that support and opposition to a 15-week ban are about even. But on a six-week ban, opposition has decreased from 69% to 59% and support has increased from 27% to 40%.
Majorities support abortion rights, legality, and leaving the decision to patients.
Capitol News and Notes
The Senate met this morning in a special session to consider overriding two of Governor Stitt’s Vetoes. The bills would permit tribes to extend their tobacco and motor vehicle tax compacts through 2024. The Senate’s veto override attempt on the tobacco compact extension failed. Senate Pro Tem Treat confirmed SB26X will come before the chamber again in July.
June 19, 2023
The one-year anniversary of
the Dobbs decision.
The one-year anniversary of the Dobbs decision, which marked a significant milestone in the ongoing debate over reproductive rights, is a moment that evokes both reflection and action. On June 24, 2022, the United States Supreme Court delivered its ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, reshaping the landscape of abortion legislation and accessibility in America.
The first anniversary of the Dobbs decision serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle for reproductive rights and the continued erosion of access to safe and legal abortion.
While the Dobbs decision marked a challenging turning point in that ongoing battle, it also galvanized a renewed sense of urgency and determination among supporters of reproductive justice. It has sparked conversations at various levels of society, encouraging individuals to engage in dialogue, protect our democracy, educate others, and advocate for policies that safeguard women's reproductive freedoms.
Looking forward, the one-year anniversary of the Dobbs decision serves as a rallying point for those committed to protecting and expanding reproductive rights. It reminds us of the ongoing work that lies ahead in ensuring that all individuals have access to safe, legal, and comprehensive reproductive healthcare. The fight for reproductive freedom continues as we strive to create a society that upholds the principles of (and an individual's fundamental right to) bodily autonomy, reproductive rights, and gender equality.
One year later, we are still here. We are committed to the continued fight to combat extremism against women and girls in Oklahoma. We are mobilizing with other organizations, healthcare providers, and Oklahomans to unite in our efforts to expose the consequences of the Dobbs ruling and protect the gains made in the fight for reproductive freedoms. We. Are. Rising.
June 12, 2023
abortion bans and mental health
According to an American Psychological Association article scientific research from around the world shows having an abortion is not linked to mental health issues but restricting access is. To begin with, abortion does not lead to mental health harm — a fact that has been established by data and recognized by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and the American Psychological Association.
Research shows people who are denied abortions have worse physical and mental health, as well as worse economic outcomes than those who seek and receive them. Meanwhile, the same research shows getting a wanted abortion does not cause significant psychological problems, despite beliefs to the contrary. In a landmark Turnaway Study showing mental health outcomes, of more than 1,000 women across 21 states, shows those who were allowed to obtain an abortion were no more likely to report negative emotions or mental health symptoms than women who did not have an abortion. Other research has also shown an increased risk of suicide for individuals not able to legally terminate an unwanted pregnancy. Additionally, research shows most women who have an abortion feel they made the right decision. Over 95% of women in a 2020 studyreported that abortion was the right decision when looking back over five years, with previous research also supporting these findings.
In time, the short- and long-term psychological impacts of the post-Roe era will unfold. Right now, we do know that having reproductive autonomy is extremely important in terms of protecting someone’s mental health and well-being.
Capitol News and Notes
Oklahoma's House of Representatives reconvened into special session today. The Senate did not. The House agenda showed it was considering veto overrides.
You can learn more about the call to special session in this NonDoc article.
June 5, 2023
oklahoma supreme court strikes down two abortion bans
By a 6-3 decision released Wednesday, May 31st, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled SB 1503 and HB 4327 passed by the Legislature in 2022 are unconstitutional, a second straight abortion-related decision from the court this year. To read the court's full decision click Here.
The laws, Senate Bill 1503, which prohibited abortions after a heartbeat is detected except for a medical emergency, and House Bill 4327, a total ban on abortion unless it would save the life of a mother or if rape or incest is reported to law enforcement, were passed by Republican supermajorities in the 2022 legislative session. Abortion remains illegal in Oklahoma, except when a woman’s life is at risk.
In March, the court allowed a 1910 pre-Roe v. Wade criminal ban on abortion to remain in effect but also ruled that the state constitution guarantees a limited right to the procedure in cases where a medical professional comes to a “reasonable” conclusion that a pregnancy is life-threatening. The remaining law punishes a person with two to five years in prison for administering or advising a person to end a pregnancy at any point unless it is "necessary to preserve her life."
The Oklahoma Supreme Court is drawing strong criticism from Republican leaders and the governor, potentially setting up a future fight over justice appointments and retentions, while also making any future appointments by Stitt consequential on the issue of reproductive rights.
In a press release, Senator Kay Floyd said “Additionally, our colleagues received more than ample warnings that these policies had constitutional issues and were given the opportunity to pursue alternative paths and correct the deficiencies. They chose not to make those corrections. Disavowing the court now is equivalent to yelling at the umpire for a legitimate call at home plate.” Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd comments on recent abortion rulings.
Capitol News and Notes
Federal Government News:
Friction over abortion between the Biden administration and the Oklahoma State Department of Health has led to the suspension of federal grant funding for family planning. The Health and Human Services Department suspended a $4.5 million grant in late May, though the state and federal departments are still working to resolve the dispute. The dispute centers on federal rules for Title X — family planning — grants, used by states to offer a range of services. To read the full article click here, The Oklahoman - Oklahoma dispute with Biden administration freezes family planning money.
State Government News:
The first session of the 59th Oklahoma Legislature is over. With one special session underway and another one possible, the Oklahoma House and Senate reached agreement on a budget and adjourned, sine die on Friday, May 26th. The Oklahoma Legislature overrode 19 of the governor’s vetoes Thursday and Friday before they gaveled out.
$13 billion Oklahoma budget becomes law without Stitt approval: Gov. Kevin Stitt allowed Oklahoma's $13 billion budget to become law Friday without his signature, despite his objections to a portion of the revenue in the package.
Governor Stitt has until June 10th to act on the bills passed during the final five days of the regular session. And if lawmakers come back to override vetoes of any of the special session budget bills that is tentatively scheduled to take place on June 12th.
May 22, 2023
doctors see growing demand for sterilization
States where abortion is now or could become illegal, plus the fear of future legal fights over long-term contraception, has seemingly spurred a rise in the number of people seeing surgical sterilization, according to reports from doctors. Sterilization is more common than you might realize.
According to the most recent data, an estimated 18 percent of U.S. women rely on some form of surgical sterilization—either bilateral salpingectomy or a tubal ligation, in which the fallopian tubes are cut, tied, or closed—as birth control.
But that number is likely to rise. Following the overturn of Roe v. Wade last summer and abortion becoming outlawed or severely restricted in 15 states, doctors around the country are reporting an increase in requests for these surgeries. Searches for terms such as tubal ligation nearly quadrupled in the week after the high court’s decision, Google data shows. Facebook support groups for those interested in pursuing sterilization have been flooded, with one group gaining more than 2,500 new members in a matter of days since the June 24 ruling. They now have over 7,000 members.
“They want something permanent because they fear that tomorrow there’ll be no other option,” said Dr. Tyler Handcock, co-owner of the Women’s Health Domain.
Capitol News and Notes
Lawmakers appear to have reached a budget agreement. The Fiscal Year 2024 budget will be run through a concurrent special session, so be prepared for the chambers gaveling in and out between regular and "extraordinary" sessions all week. Beyond budget bills, lawmakers have lingering decisions on some policy proposals. They also have more than 40 vetoes to consider overriding, and the Senate has executive nominations to handle on their floor. The regular session must adjourn no later than 5 PM this Friday.
May 8, 2023
child maltreatment and abortion availability
States with abortion bans have some of the highest child poverty rates in the nation, according to a tracker from the Center for American Progress based on U.S. Census data. More than half of the states in the bottom 10 for child poverty have banned abortion, Oklahoma being one of them. As NPR has reported, a large body of research shows that being denied an abortion limits peoples' education, time in the workforce and wages, with the economic consequences extending well into the lives of their children. People who seek abortions are more likely to be living below the poverty line, to already have children and to be experiencing a disruptive life event, all factors that can make it difficult to care for a child.
The Turnaway Study is the most exhaustive study on the impact of abortion to date. One-third of women seeking abortions report that one of their reasons was that a new child would negatively affect their ability to care for their current children. The study found that when a parent was denied an abortion, existing children under five years old were less likely to have achieved developmental milestones. These milestones included skills of daily living appropriate for the child’s age, such as getting dressed, going to the bathroom, brushing teeth and feeding themselves. Existing children of parents who were denied an abortion were also more likely to experience poverty-related stress.
According to the CDC, rates of child abuse and neglect are 5 times higher for children in families with low socioeconomic status. Unplanned births are linked with child abuse and neglect. States with no or limited access to abortion care have higher rates of child maltreatment than do states without these restrictions. A comprehensive economic analysis indicated that the introduction of anti-abortion laws significantly increased rates of child maltreatment. What does this mean for the future of an already over-stressed foster care system here in Oklahoma?
Pregnant people are aware of their unique circumstances and seek abortions after considering their own needs, the needs of their existing children and the potential child, and their partners. Access to safe abortion services is an essential public health tool to promote the well-being of parents, childless people, children, families and society.
Capitol News and Notes
The House and Senate appear to still be at odds regarding common education funding. While the political theater from the two chambers has been something to watch, lawmakers now have 10 weekdays to potentially override any of the 42 bills (the count as of right now) Governor Stitt has vetoed. There are less than 340 bills (not related to the budget) legislators could still consider this session. The next deadline is May 26 at 5:00 p.m. for Sine Die Adjournment.
May 1, 2023
The Potential Effects of Near-Total Abortion Bans on Pregnant Patients and The Clinicians Who Care for Them
Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), Oklahoma Call for Reproductive Justice (OCRJ), and the Center for Reproductive Rights (CRR) examined Oklahoma as a case study to investigate whether hospitals have policies/protocols for decision-making when pregnant people face medical emergencies, and what those policies are.
According to this study, "Not a single hospital in Oklahoma appeared to be able to articulate clear, consistent policies for emergency obstetric care..." Physicians for Human Rights Study. When asked “What are your policies when an abortion might be required to save the life of the patient?”, none of the 34 hospitals in the study gave clear, consistent information about emergency obstetrics care that supports the ability of healthcare professionals to make decisions based on their clinical judgment and the preferences and needs of patients.
How does confusion over what constitutes a medical emergency exception to receive an abortion play out in Oklahoma?
Last week, a story in The Oklahoman highlighted the effects abortion bans have on pregnant patients and the clinicians who care for them. ‘My baby's not gonna make it and neither am I’; Women flee Okla. for life-saving abortions [The Oklahoman]. She needed an abortion to save her life. Oklahoma hospitals wouldn't help her.
The young mother from Meeker, Oklahoma heroically told her story of being denied necessary medical care.
“Jaci Statton clutched her stomach in pain as her husband pleaded with the hospital's doctor to save his wife’s life. Her pregnancy was causing vaginal bleeding, high blood pressure and intense nausea, symptoms of a partial molar pregnancy, a condition where the egg does not fertilize correctly and the fetus will never become viable.
The longer the fetus remained inside her, the higher risk she would be for internal bleeding, kidney and liver failure, and even a stroke.”
Jaci was forced to flee Oklahoma, her home, and drive 180 miles to a Trust Women clinic in Wichita, Kansas so she could receive an abortion.
“I wasn’t trying to get rid of my baby,” Statton said, referring to the protestors that still give her husband nightmares. “I went there because my baby was not going to make it and neither was I.
“If these people only knew.”
Capitol News and Notes
Today begins the final four weeks of session. Lawmakers must adjourn the regular session no later than 5 pm May 26th. 240 bills are still moving through the legislative process. You may have heard last week the Governor vetoed over 20 Senate bills but he signed 26 bills, including 17 Senate bills over the weekend. As of this morning, there were currently 86 bills sitting on the Governor's desk.
April 24, 2023
The impact abortion bans have on
victims of domestic violence
Anti-abortion laws hurt women in more ways than some might imagine. Abortion bans trap victims in a cycle of domestic violence. The most restrictive laws against abortion are often passed in states where the rates of such violence are remarkably high.
More women are killed by men in Oklahoma than almost any other state. Oklahoma went from eighth in the nation to second for women killed by men. An article Oklahoma Watch published in November of 2022 stated “State domestic violence rates from 2021 are expected to increase for the sixth year in a row. Domestic abuse incidents tracked by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation have trended upward since 2011, with a 13.2% increase between 2016 and 2020. In 2020, 27,089 domestic abuse incidents were reported to state law enforcement, which was the highest count in at least 20 years. That same year, Battles-Reichle said 66 women were killed by men, and 67% of that total were the current or former romantic partner of their offender.”
One in five women experience sexual violence within their intimate relationships. Thirty percent of people who became pregnant as the result of intimate partner violence reported experiencing reproductive coercion – or a partner controlling their reproductive choice, which often means intentionally forcing pregnancy to maintain power, control, and, domination over their victim. Reproductive coercion is a form of domestic violence and sexual abuse.
Homicide is the leading cause of death among pregnant and postpartum women in the United States. 50-75% of women abused before pregnancy are abused during pregnancy. It is estimated that up to 20% of pregnant women experienced violence during their pregnancy. 77% of pregnant homicide victims are killed early (during the first trimester) in the pregnancy. Women with unintended pregnancies are two to four times more likely to experience physical violence than women with planned pregnancies.
A 2014 study published by BMC Medicine journal, for instance, looked at incidences of domestic violence against women with unintended pregnancies who tried to obtain abortions. Over the course of two years, the study found that incidences of domestic violence decreased for those who were successfully able to obtain abortions, but increased for those who were turned away from clinics and had to carry their pregnancies to term.
Some studies have found that the rates of having experienced domestic violence are higher among women who seek abortions than women who do not. Abortion, then, is a critical option to help victims of domestic abuse escape their perpetrators and end the cycle of violence.
Kim Garrett, one of We Are Rising’s founders wrote an op-ed in which she stated “Once a baby is born, violence continues to escalate because the offender is jealous of the mother focusing so much attention on the baby. The co-occurrence between domestic violence and child abuse is significant and should not be overlooked.”
There are so many unintended consequences to extreme laws that attack women's reproductive freedoms, especially here in Oklahoma.
Capitol News and Notes
Lawmakers approach a major policy deadline this week! This Thursday marks the deadline for bills to be heard on the floor of the chamber opposite their origin. More than 280 Senate bills are available to be considered in the House and more than 300 House bills are available for Senate consideration.
UPCOMING EVENTS
We Are Rising Luncheon
WHEN: Wednesday, May 3, 2023
TIME: 12 PM
WHERE: The Olie Gathering Place, 2412 N Olie Ave, Oklahoma City
TICKETS ON SALE!
April 17, 2023
OB-GYN Shortages and Oklahoma’s
Maternity Care Desert
Have Oklahoma lawmakers set our State up to become an OB-GYN desert? Abortion restrictions exacerbate OB-GYN shortages and inhibit the state’s ability to train new providers.
Did you know 41 of Oklahoma’s 77 counties qualify as a “maternity care desert” - meaning they don’t have a hospital or birth center offering obstetric care and don’t have any obstetric providers?
Preliminary 2023 data from ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) shows the average number of applications per OB-GYN residency program fell 2% this year (from 663 in 2022 to 650 in 2023). Medical residency programs are being forced to choose between losing accreditation and being persecuted for providing abortions.
Last week The Oklahoman ran an Op-Ed, “Doctor-to-be: Oklahoma is my home that I love, But lawmakers’ actions are driving me away” and in the article, the columnist said “The simple fact is lawmakers in Oklahoma have made it impossible for physicians to do their jobs here. The laws they have passed intrude dramatically into the doctor-patient relationship. More importantly, they threaten women’s lives by forcing doctors to risk criminal charges if they provide necessary, medically appropriate, life-saving care to Oklahomans. Why would I practice here, when other states will allow me to give my patients the care they require and deserve?”
To read the full article click here.
Capitol News and Notes
Last Thursday was the deadline for most bills to be heard in committee of the opposite chamber. Close to 500 bills and joint resolutions remain alive. The legislators will spend most of the next two weeks on the House and Senate floor voting on bills. The next big deadline will be April 27th.
UPCOMING EVENTS
We Are Rising Luncheon
WHEN: Wednesday, May 3, 2023
TIME: 12 PM
WHERE: The Olie Gathering Place, 2412 N Olie Ave, Oklahoma City
TICKETS ON SALE!
April 10, 2023
Mifepristone
On Friday, April 7, 2023, Federal Judges in two states issued contradictory decisions regarding access to a drug used in nearly all medication abortions. In Texas, U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk issued a preliminary ruling suspending the FDA's approval of mifepristone. Within an hour, another federal district judge in Washington, U.S. District Thomas O. Rice, ruled in a separate lawsuit that the FDA should refrain from any actions to reduce the availability of mifepristone in 17 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.
Mifepristone was approved by the FDA in 2000 for use in combination with a second drug, misoprostol. More than half of all abortions in the United States are done using medication, as opposed to a surgical procedure, and the two-drug combination was used for 98% of them in 2020, according to the Guttmacher Institute.
Major medical groups say mifepristone, which is also used in miscarriage management, has a well-established safety record and have been calling for relaxing restrictions on its use for years. While there are other options, mifepristone is more effective and the more commonly prescribed protocol.
Judge Kacsmaryks issued a nationwide injunction pausing the FDA’s approval of the drug mifepristone, which is set to take place seven days after his ruling. Within hours of that decision, Judge Rice issued a ruling in a separate case in Washington state. That lawsuit filed by a coalition of Democratic attorneys general in 17 states and the District of Columbia sought to block the FDA from pulling the drug from the market.
The Department of Justice appealed directly to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit on Friday night, only a few hours after the initial ruling. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement that the DOJ “strongly disagrees with the decision” and “will be appealing the court’s decision and seeking a stay pending appeal.
If the ruling goes into effect 64.5 million American women will lose access to medication abortion – no matter what state we live in.
This will have a bigger impact than the overturning of Roe V. Wade. The ruling comes out of Texas but the entire county will be affected, even in states that protected abortion access.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists condemned the Texas decision in a statement Friday and called it a “grievous legal overstep into America’s well-established regulatory system,”
What next? The Dueling decisions will likely force the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in quickly, Legal scholars speculated. As of right now, the medication is still available. We Are Rising will keep you up to date on the latest developments of the story.
Capitol News and Notes
This week lawmakers will continue to focus on committee meetings. Policy bills now have until Thursday, April 13, to advance through a committee in the chamber opposite their origin.
UPCOMING EVENTS
We Are Rising Luncheon
WHEN: Wednesday, May 3, 2023
TIME: 12 PM
WHERE: The Olie Gathering Place, 2412 N Olie Ave, Oklahoma City
TICKETS GO ON SALE THIS WEEK!
April 3, 2023
Oklahoma’s Workforce
Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat and other members of the senate development select committee met last Tuesday, March 28th for the first time. The committee hopes to explore Oklahoma’s issues surrounding workforce development, expansion and business attraction.
We think it’s important to discuss the extreme laws banning access to abortion care and the impact this has on our state's workforce. We Are Rising wrote an op-ed for the Oklahoman last fall and would like to share some of the following from that article with you.
This extremism threatens the lives and health of women and girls in Oklahoma, and it harms Oklahoma’s economy in several measurable ways.
First, these bans deter employees and employers from locating here. A recent study found 70% of women ages 18-44 would be discouraged from taking a job in a state that restricts abortion, as would 59% of men the same age. And 63% of college-educated workers say they would not apply to a job in a state that recently banned abortion.
Human capital is what fuels innovation and economic growth. That’s why chambers of commerce prioritize attracting and retaining talent. The bans drive workers – especially the young and educated – to places where they have access to the full range of reproductive healthcare, including contraception and abortion. Employers tend to locate in states with reproductive healthcare because healthy employees are good for business.
Instead of being a top ten state, Oklahoma ranks near the bottom for women’s economic well-being. The abortion bans exacerbate this problem.
Women denied abortions are 3 times more likely to fall into poverty. They are more likely to be unemployed 6 months later and to rely on public assistance 4 years later.
Over 60% of women who obtain an abortion are already mothers, and many are the primary breadwinners for their families. Mothers are the sole or primary income-earners in 40% of households with children. Women need control over their reproductive lives to provide for their Families.
Contraceptives are not infallible. Of women who use contraception, 12.4% become pregnant every year.
If women are forced to carry unwanted pregnancies to term, businesses experience financial losses from absenteeism and employee turnover, as women travel to other states to obtain abortions or leave the workforce to raise children, especially given the scarcity and expense of childcare in Oklahoma.
Women are essential to building thriving businesses and growing Oklahoma’s economy. Businesses and the economy benefit when women’s right to bodily autonomy is protected and women have access to reproductive healthcare, including contraceptives and abortion, so they control whether and when to have children.
To read the full article CLICK HERE.
Capitol News and Notes
Last week was all about Education down on 23rd Street. While Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat and Speaker Charles McCall negotiated a tax credit bill for private and home-schooled families.
This week lawmakers will continue to focus on committee meetings. Policy bills now have until Thursday, April 13, to advance through a committee in the chamber opposite their origin. But this Thursday, April 6, also marks a deadline for bills assigned to an appropriations subcommittee to advance to a full committee.
Don't forget to VOTE this Tuesday, April 4th!
Not sure who is on your ballot? No problem! Click HERE to find a sample ballot, your polling location, and more!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Do you remember your last field trip to the State Capitol?
Join us for an inside look at our legislature in action, followed by a Capitol tour!
WHEN: Thursday, April 6th
TIME: 9 AM
WHERE: 2300 N Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City
(Meet us at the south entrance before the security checkpoint)
> Click HERE to reserve your spot today <
We're coming together with Oklahoma League of Women Voters, Together Oklahoma, and Indivisible Stillwater to share ideas and discuss ways to ensure that our voices are heard.
For event information and zoom link click HERE!
March 27, 2023
BIG, BREAKING NEWS!
Oklahoma Supreme Court Ruling
The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled Tuesday, March 21st that Oklahomans have a "limited right" to abortion, according to the state's constitution.
In the court's decision, one justice writes, “For some women, the draconian law, which allows no exception in the absence of a medical emergency to preserve the life of the mother, maybe a death sentence. In some instances, women may have fewer rights than a convicted murderer on death row."
“Absolute certainty is not required; however, mere possibility or speculation is insufficient.”
the woman’s physician has determined to a reasonable degree of medical certainty or probability that the continuation of the pregnancy will endanger the woman’s life due to the pregnancy itself or due to a medical condition that the woman is either currently suffering from or likely to suffer from during the pregnancy. The court said, "A woman has an inherent right to choose to terminate her pregnancy if, at any point in the pregnancy, the woman’s physician has determined to a reasonable degree of medical certainty or probability that the continuation of the pregnancy will endanger the woman’s life due to the pregnancy itself or due to a medical condition that the woman is either currently suffering from or likely to suffer from during the pregnancy.”
What does this mean? Doctors have more protection to make necessary medical decisions when it comes to their patient's healthcare instead of worrying about what constitutes as “absolute certainty” in life-or-death situations.
This week legislators will return to committee work, this time considering bills sent to them by the other chamber. All bills had to be passed off the floor of their originating chamber last week. Meaning House bills had to pass the House floor, and Senate bills had to pass the Senate floor. None of the bills that have stalled in either chamber can be considered dead this year (not session). The House speaker and president pro tem of the Senate are not subject to traditional legislative deadlines.
SB834, A bill by Senator Julie Daniels clarifies rape and incest exceptions for abortion if reported to law enforcement; birth control and fertility treatment is not impacted by abortion bans. Definition of reasonable medical judgment from objective to subjective. That bill was eligible for a vote in the Senate for more than a month but wasn't brought to the floor before a major legislative deadline last Thursday. Because it hasn't yet received a floor hearing, the bill cannot advance in its current form.
But as the deadline on last Thursday passed, Senate leader Greg Treat, told reporters that there wasn't enough support inside the Capitol for Senate Bill 834 to advance in time. However, Treat said the language in the bill could be reintroduced in a special procedure that requires his approval and that of Speaker of the House Charles McCall.
What does this mean? We aren’t out of the woods yet and need to stay vigilant. We will keep you up to date on important information.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Do you remember your last field trip to the State Capitol?
Join us for an inside look at our legislature in action, followed by a Capitol tour!
WHEN: Thursday, April 6th
TIME: 9 AM
WHERE: 2300 N Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City
> Click HERE to reserve your spot today <