Oklahoma Politicians Advance Republican Bill Requiring Father’s Permission for Abortions

For the last few months, Oklahoma has been passing legislations, in an effort to crackdown on abortions. In May, legislators passed a bill, criminalizing the procedure in the state. Basically, professionals, who are found to have performed the procedure, will be charged with a felony, facing up to three years in prison.

Now, the state legislature has approved a Republican bill that would require pregnant women to get the fathers’ consent for the procedure.

According to ABC News, pregnant women, who are looking to get an abortion, would have to get permission from the baby’s father, in writing. The father would also have to be identified by the physician as well, before the procedure is performed. If the father does not approve, the women would not be legally allowed to go through with the abortion. However, written consent will not be required in cases where the woman’s life is in danger or if the circumstances include rape or incest. 

The measure also covers DNA testing. According to reports, if the person identified as the baby’s father has any doubts, he can demand a paternity test.

The bill, written by state Rep. Justin Humphrey, who was elected in 2016, was approved by a 5-2 vote, progressing it to the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

In an interview with The Intercept, Humphrey explained the reasoning behind the new measure, saying pregnant women are “hosts” for fetuses and men should have a say in “all of these types of decisions.” 

“I believe one of the breakdowns in our society is that we have excluded the man out of all of these types of decisions,” he said. “I understand that they feel like that is their body…I feel like it is a separate – what I call them is, is you’re a ‘host.’ And you know when you enter into a relationship you’re going to be that host and so, you know, if you pre-know that then take all precautions and don’t get pregnant,” he added, before addressing women who consider the procedure. “I’m like, hey, your body is your body, and be responsible with it. But after you’re irresponsible then don’t claim, well, I can just go and do this with another body, when you’re the host and you invited that in.”

What are your thoughts?