PUBLISHED
124
While a swathe of US states have begun to pass draconian anti-abortion laws, Oklahoma has cemented itself at the forefront by signing a law that bans abortions from the moment of "fertilization", the nation's most restrictive ban yet.
The rest of this article is behind a paywall. Please sign in or subscribe to access the full content.As expected, the laws have been widely criticized for being unscientific (and misusing and misleading science), but one Oklahoma State Representative has decided to fight fire with fire, proposing a new piece of legislation that would mandate vasectomies for all pubescent boys until they can prove they are financially and emotionally able to support a child.
"I would invite you to co-author a bill that I'm considering next year that would mandate that each male, when they reach puberty, get a mandatory vasectomy that's only reversible when they reach the point of financial and emotional stability," said Democrat Mickey Dollens in a statement to GOP lawmakers.
"If you think that's crazy then I think that maybe you understand how 50 percent of Oklahomans feel, as well.”
He is considering the bill for next year, according to his address.
Dollens gave the statements last week as Oklahoma officials debated the passage of HB 4327, which bans abortions once "fertilization" has occurred, and allows private citizens to sue abortion providers who knowingly perform or induce an abortion. The bill, which is a clear repeal of protections granted by Roe vs Wade, only allows abortion in the cases of saving the life of the person who is pregnant or rape and incest. It was signed into law by Republican Governor Kevin Stitt yesterday and takes effect immediately.
“I promised Oklahomans that as governor I would sign every piece of pro-life legislation that came across my desk and I am proud to keep that promise today,” Stitt said.
Dollens’ remarks echo the frustrations of many voters across the USA, who are staunch objectors to overturning Roe vs Wade and removing abortion rights. Critics have attacked bills such as these for ignoring multiple studies that show allowing legal abortions and contraceptives is actually the best way to lower abortion rates, and that the state should not have such drastic powers over the rights of an individual.
