State of Oklahoma Archives: on Abortion


Josh Breechen: Parental approval for minors; collect info from patients

State Sen. Josh Breechen voted YEA on each of the following House bills related to abortion:
Source: Vote Smart Synopsis of Oklahoma voting records HB1588/HB2015 Apr 16, 2013

Abby Broyles: Women are capable of making their own health care decisions

Abby trusts that women are capable of making decisions about their own health care without interference from lawmakers. Politicians are passing laws that interfere with a woman's ability to have a private relationship with her own physician, illegally tracking women's medical records, and insisting on scientifically unproven measures or even procedures that do not exist in medical science. Abby will work to ensure that the practice of medicine is left to licensed health professionals.
Source: 2020 Oklahoma Senate campaign website AbbyBroyles.com Jul 26, 2020

Brad Henry: Provide patients with materials about pain and unborn child

SB 1742 provides that a woman who is pregnant with a child who is 20 weeks gestational age or older and seeking an abortion, that is not a medical emergency, be provided an opportunity to read materials regarding pain and the unborn child and be informed if an anesthetic would alleviate pain to the unborn child during the abortion procedure.

Summary by Catholic News Agency, May 21, 2006: : If signed into law, SB 1742 would require the consent of one parent before a minor can receive an abortion. It would expand the recognition of an unborn child as a separate victim if a crime is committed against the mother. It would allow funding to be directed to organizations that help pregnant women with pro-life counseling and support-services.

Legislative outcome: Passed House 84-5-12 on Apr/26/2006; Passed Senate 38-8-2 on May/18/2006; Signed by Governor Brad Henry on May/23/2006.

Source: Catholic News Agency on Oklahoma voting records SB1742 May 23, 2006

Chris Powell: Leave decision to states or the people themselves

Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Abortion is a woman's unrestricted right"?

A: Neither - Per the 10th Amendment, abortion should be left to the states or the people themselves.

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Oklahoma Governor candidate May 15, 2018

Chris Powell: No public funding of organizations that perform abortions

Source: VoteSmart Oklahoma 2002 National Political Awareness Test Nov 1, 2002

Connie Johnson: Advocate for women's reproductive freedom in State Senate

The former state senator from Forest Park was probably one of the most liberal Democrats in the Legislature, where she served from 2005 until 2014, when she made a failed bid for U.S. Senate.

While in the state Senate, she was a strong advocate for women's reproductive freedom, debating against bills that put restrictions on abortion. She attempted to amend a bill that said life begins at conception with "any action in which a man ejaculates or otherwise deposits semen anywhere but in a woman's vagina shall be interpreted and construed as an action against an unborn child." The measure, called the personhood bill, and the amendment did not secure approval.

She supports the legalization of marijuana, wants to abolish the death penalty and worked toward criminal justice reform. She is past vice chairwoman of the Oklahoma Democratic Party and serves as chairwoman of the Oklahoma Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty.

Source: Tulsa World on 2018 Oklahoma governor race Jul 30, 2017

Drew Edmondson: Supports abortion rights for women, part of his platform

Drew Edmondson, a former prosecutor and four-term Oklahoma attorney general from one of the state's most well-established political families, announced Monday he will seek the Democratic nomination for governor in 2018. A supporter of the death penalty and abortion rights for women, Edmondson served for 16 years as the state's attorney general before running for the state's open governor's seat in 2010. He lost the Democratic primary race against then Lt. Gov. Jari Askins by less than 1%.
Source: KOCO News5 on 2018 Oklahoma gubernatorial race May 1, 2017

Drew Edmondson: No state in women's decisions regarding reproduction

A Republican forum asked in a survey if each candidate would sign legislation banning all abortions except in the cases of rape, incest or to save the life of the mother. Drew Edmondson, the Democratic gubernatorial nominee, did not respond to the group's survey. Edmondson's campaign manager said last week, "Drew believes in health care access for all Oklahomans. That includes women's decisions regarding their own reproductive health. Those decisions are intensely personal and should not involve the Legislature."

Two years ago, Gov. Fallin signed bills with abortion restrictions that were later struck down. One bill would have required a physician to perform an ultrasound test using either a vaginal probe or an abdominal transducer and explain to the woman what the ultrasound was depicting. Another would have required doctors at abortion clinics to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals.

Source: Press-Reader on 2018 Oklahoma gubernatorial race Jul 15, 2018

Gary Richardson: Life is a beautiful gift from our Father who created us

Life is a beautiful gift from our Father who created us. As such I am staunchly pro-life and will work to pass legislation that ensures the protection of innocent life.
Source: 2018 Oklahoma governor campaign website GaryRichardson.org May 2, 2017

James Inhofe: Human life begins at conception

Question topic: Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.

Inhofe: Strongly Agree

Question topic: Should abortion be allowed under extenuating circumstances? If so, what circumstances?

Inhofe: Rape, Incest, Life of Mother

Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Oklahoma Senate race Sep 30, 2014

James Lankford: Assure pro-life taxpayers not forced to pay for abortions

Every person is created in the image of God and should have an opportunity for life and success. As a community, we have a responsibility to stand up and speak out for those that cannot speak for themselves. Our nation should build up families, encourage foster care and adoption, engage in poverty solutions and assure pro-life taxpayers that they will not be forced to pay for abortions. James will continue to fight for the most basic human right, life.
Source: 2021 Oklahoma Senate campaign website JamesLankford.com Jun 21, 2021

Joan Farr: When sperm and egg unite it is God's will it should be born

When the sperm and the egg unite, it is God's will that a child should be born. I believe that what God has joined together, let no one put asunder. Adoption is the answer if a woman is unwilling or unable to care for her unborn child.
Source: 2022 Oklahoma Senate campaign website JoanFarr.com Jul 19, 2021

Joe Dorman: Pro-life

[Regarding] mounting a successful challenge to Republican Gov. Mary Fallin: "Being out there visiting with the citizens of Oklahoma, I don't think she's as popular as she thinks," said Dorman, who described himself as a "pro life" candidate.
Source: NewsOK.com on 2014 Oklahoma Gubernatorial race Dec 18, 2013

Joe Dorman: Pro-life legislative voting history

Joe Dorman voted YEA on each of the following House bills related to abortion:
Source: Vote Smart's Synopsis of 2013-14 Oklahoma voting records Mar 12, 2013

Joe Dorman: Provide patients with materials about pain and unborn child

SB 1742 provides that a woman who is pregnant with a child who is 20 weeks gestational age or older and seeking an abortion, that is not a medical emergency, be provided an opportunity to read materials regarding pain and the unborn child and be informed if an anesthetic would alleviate pain to the unborn child during the abortion procedure.

Summary by Catholic News Agency, May 21, 2006: : If signed into law, SB 1742 would require the consent of one parent before a minor can receive an abortion. It would expand the recognition of an unborn child as a separate victim if a crime is committed against the mother. It would allow funding to be directed to organizations that help pregnant women with pro-life counseling and support-services.

Legislative outcome: Passed House 84-5-12 on Apr/26/2006; State Rep. Joe Dorman voted YES; Passed Senate 38-8-2 on May/18/2006; Signed by Governor Brad Henry on May/23/2006.

Source: Catholic News Agency on Oklahoma voting records SB1742 Apr 26, 2006

Joe Maldonado: You own your body; not the Government

Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Abortion is a woman's unrestricted right"?

A: Yes, it is your body; you own it not the Government.

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Oklahoma Governor candidate May 15, 2018

Joy Hofmeister: Personally pro-life; against extremism on both sides

What about her stance on abortion? "My values haven't changed," Hofmeister said. "I'm personally pro-life. I haven't walked in every woman's shoes. I'm against extremism on both sides. "What matters most is having access to high-quality health care and well-paying jobs," Hofmeister said.
Source: Tahlequah Daily Press on 2022 Oklahoma Gubernatorial race Dec 14, 2021

Joy Hofmeister: Personal decision between woman, her doctor and her faith

Hofmeister said there are limits to what legislation she would approve, although she calls herself pro-life. "This is a decision that is personal and one between a woman, her doctor and her faith," Hofmeister told The Frontier. Hofmeister criticized bills Stitt signed that courts later declared unconstitutional. Two new abortion laws struck down banned abortions if a fetal heartbeat is detected and declared abortion "unprofessional conduct" for doctors.
Source: The Frontier on 2022 Oklahoma Gubernatorial race Oct 22, 2021

Kendra Horn: Endorsed in 2018 race by EMILY's List

Horn was endorsed by End Citizens United, which backs candidates who support overhauling campaign finance laws, and EMILY's List, which backs Democratic women who support abortion rights.
Source: Roll Call magazine on 2022 Oklahoma Senate race Nov 17, 2018

Kevin Stine: Government should not interfere with woman's right to choose

Medford City Councilor Kevin Stine has jumped into the Democratic primary race against U.S. Senator Ron Wyden. "Some of Wyden's votes run against Democratic values," the 29-year-old said, referring to himself as a progressive Democrat.

Stine said he describes himself as to the left on social issues, believing people should have free choice without government interfering in marriage or a woman's right to choose. On fiscal issues, he said he is more conservative.

Source: Medford Mail Tribune on 2016 Oklahoma Senate race Sep 21, 2015

Kevin Stitt: Ban abortions except rape, incest or to save life of mother

Stitt said he would sign legislation banning or restricting abortion, even if it would violate abortion rights granted by the US Supreme Court in two major decisions. Stitt says he would sign every piece of anti-abortion legislation that came to him.

Stitt responded at the forum, "No I wouldn't sign that. I believe that life begins at conception and I am going to protect life every single day that I'm governor." Asked last week what he meant by his response, Stitt said he may have misunderstood the question. "From the very beginning, I've said that I'm pro-life and I am going to sign legislation that hits my desk to protect life," Stitt said in an interview. "So I will continue to say that."

At an earlier forum, Stitt said that he would only appoint justices to the Oklahoma Supreme Court that shared his views on abortion. "So as governor, I will make sure we get pro-life justices on the Oklahoma Supreme Court and then I'll sign every piece of pro-life legislation that hits my desk," he said.

Source: Press-Reader on 2018 Oklahoma gubernatorial race Jul 15, 2018

Kevin Stitt: Human life begins at conception

As a Christian and father of six, Kevin knows that there is no gift more precious than a child. Kevin Stitt is strongly pro-life. He believes human life begins at conception and he will fight to protect the rights of the unborn in Oklahoma and across the nation.
Source: 2018 Oklahoma Gubernatorial website StittForGovernor.com Jul 4, 2018

Kevin Stitt: We'll protect the rights of unborn children

We'll protect the rights of unborn children and stand up for the personal and religious freedoms of Oklahomans!
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Oklahoma legislature Feb 1, 2021

Madison Horn: Restore a woman's right to decide when to have a family

Source: 2022 Oklahoma Senate campaign website MadisonHorn.com Aug 24, 2022

Mary Fallin: Signed two pro-life bills later struck down by Supreme Court

Two years ago, Fallin vetoed a bill passed by the Oklahoma Legislature that would have criminalized abortion except to save the life of a woman. "The bill is so ambiguous and so vague that doctors cannot be certain what medical circumstances would be considered `necessary to preserve the life of the mother,'" Fallin said.

Fallin did sign other bills with abortion restrictions that were later struck down. One bill would have required a physician to perform an ultrasound test using either a vaginal probe or an abdominal transducer and explain to the woman what the ultrasound was depicting. Another one struck down, by the Oklahoma Supreme Court, would have required doctors at abortion clinics to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals. The U.S. Supreme Court had earlier struck down a similar law in Texas

Source: Press-Reader on 2018 Oklahoma gubernatorial race Jul 15, 2018

Mick Cornett: Ban abortions except rape, incest or to save life of mother

Mick Cornett and Kevin Stitt, two candidates vying for the Republican gubernatorial nomination, say they would sign legislation banning or restricting abortion, even if it would violate abortion rights granted by the US Supreme Court in two major decisions. Cornett said at a Republican forum that he would sign legislation banning all abortions except in the cases of rape, incest or to save the life of the mother. Stitt says he would sign every piece of anti-abortion legislation that came to him.

Cornett responded, "I'd sign it. Just--how long do I have?" The moderator responded that he had 30 seconds. "I'll sign it," Cornett said. "That's too short a time on such a deep and important question."

Two years ago, Gov. Fallin vetoed a bill passed by the Oklahoma Legislature that would have criminalized abortion except to save the life of a woman. Fallin did sign other bills with abortion restrictions that were later struck down.

Source: Press-Reader on 2018 Oklahoma gubernatorial race Jul 15, 2018

Mike Workman: Support a woman's right to choose

Workman supports a woman's right to choose, gender equality, and believes that problems from climate change must soon be addressed. His campaign will focus on four E's: Equality, Economy, Education, and the Environment.
Source: 2016 OK Senate campaign website facebook/Workman-4-Oklahoma Aug 8, 2016

Nathan Dahm: Parental approval for minors; collect info from patients

Nathan Dahm voted YEA on each of the following House bills related to abortion:
Source: Vote Smart's Synopsis of 2013-14 Oklahoma voting records Apr 16, 2013

Nathan Dahm: Taking an innocent life through abortion must be stopped

Dahm has filed a trio of abortion-related measures to prohibit abortion procedures and limit funding to Planned Parenthood in the state. "For almost half a century, our nation has sacrificed unborn children, costing over 60 million lives. The core and proper function of government is to protect our rights. Any attempt to knowingly and willingly take an innocent life through abortion must be stopped."
Source: State Senate press release on 2022 Oklahoma U.S. Senate race Jan 25, 2021

Scott Pruitt: Claimed abortion linked to breast cancer & infertility

In the state Senate, he sponsored legislation to restrict abortion, including an "informed consent" bill. "[Women] need to know that there's a link with breast cancer," Pruitt said in 2003. "They need to know that there's a risk with infertility; they need to know that there are emotional risks attendant with abortion procedures." Leading medical groups say all of those claims are either false or misleading.
Source: National Public Radio on 2022 Oklahoma Senate race May 1, 2018

Scott Pruitt: Provide patients with materials about pain and unborn child

SB 1742 provides that a woman who is pregnant with a child who is 20 weeks gestational age or older and seeking an abortion, that is not a medical emergency, be provided an opportunity to read materials regarding pain and the unborn child and be informed if an anesthetic would alleviate pain to the unborn child during the abortion procedure.

Summary by Catholic News Agency, May 21, 2006: : If signed into law, SB 1742 would require the consent of one parent before a minor can receive an abortion. It would expand the recognition of an unborn child as a separate victim if a crime is committed against the mother. It would allow funding to be directed to organizations that help pregnant women with pro-life counseling and support-services.

Legislative outcome: Passed House 84-5-12 on Apr/26/2006; Passed Senate 38-8-2 on May/18/2006; State Sen. Scott Pruitt voted YES; Signed by Governor Brad Henry on May/23/2006.

Source: Catholic News Agency on Oklahoma voting records SB1742 May 18, 2006

T.W. Shannon: Protect human life from the moment of conception

Source: Fundraising press release on 2014 Oklahoma Senate race Jan 29, 2014

T.W. Shannon: Abortion the greatest moral black mark on American society

A devout Christian, Holland talks openly about his faith ("I'm a Jesus guy") and how he hopes Trump's Supreme Court nominees will ensure that Roe v. Wade is overturned this year in the court. "I think that abortion is the greatest moral black mark on American society right now," Holland said.
Source: FOX News on 2022 Oklahoma Senate race Feb 25, 2022

Kendra Horn: Regulating abortion is government overreach

Horn explained why she had chosen to make abortion rights a centerpiece of her campaign to succeed longtime GOP Sen. James M. Inhofe, who is retiring at the end of the year. "Right here where we stand, in this state, Oklahoma has the most extreme abortion bans in the entire country," she said. "Not only does this put all of us at risk--all of us, not just women; it's all of us at risk--it also is government overreach, plain and simple."

Democrats across the country have seized on the defeat of the Kansas ballot referendum as a sign that voters' fatigue over abortion bans and other GOP culture-war issues, combined with a string of legislative successes in Washington, could improve the party's chances in the midterm elections. That's especially true in the Senate, where Republicans need a net gain of a single seat to gain the majority.

Source: Rollcall magazine on 2022 Oklahoma Senate race Aug 18, 2022

Kevin Stitt: FactCheck: Less than 1% of abortions are after 21 weeks

Claim: Stitt said: "There are states like Colorado and California and New York, that will abort babies, all the way up until the time of birth."

Fact check: Mostly false.

According to an Associated Press review of state abortion laws, California only allows abortions until the point of fetal viability which is around 23 to 24 weeks. In New York, abortion is permitted in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy, with an exception for non-viable fetuses, or to save the life of a mother.

In Colorado, there is no limit on when an abortion can take place, but late-term abortions are rare. Less than 1% of abortions in the United States occur after 21 weeks of gestation, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. The Frontier fact-checked this claim about Colorado earlier this year and found it true, but misleading.

Source: The Frontier FactCheck on 2022 Oklahoma Gubernatorial race Oct 21, 2022

Madison Horn: Ensure individuals' rights to reproductive health

Horn writes that she wants to ensure individuals' rights to reproductive health services and increase access to quality health care for marginalized populations and rural areas.
Source: NonDoc.com (S.J.F.) on 2022 Oklahoma Senate race Aug 23, 2022

Kevin Stitt: Prohibit abortion from conception with minimal exceptions

HB4327: prohibiting performance of abortion except under certain conditions; requiring test to meet specified criteria.

Tulsa World summary 6/1/23: House Bill 4327 was described at the time of its passage as the strictest abortion ban in the country. It would have prohibited abortion at conception and allowed for civil suits where a plaintiff could be awarded a minimum of $10,000. It had exceptions to save the life of the mother or in cases of sexual assault or rape that has been reported to law enforcement. The Oklahoma Supreme Court found by a 6-3 vote that House Bill 4327 was unconstitutional. The state Supreme Court noted that a pregnant woman has an inherent right to terminate a pregnancy when necessary to preserve her life [in cases other than reported rape].

Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 35-10-3 on Apr/28/22; passed House 73-16-11 on May/19/22; Signed by Gov. Stitt on May/25/22; Declared unconstitutional by Oklahoma Supreme Court on May/31/23

Source: Tulsa World on Oklahoma Legislative voting records HB4327 May 25, 2022

Joan Farr: Adoption is the answer for unborn children

When the sperm and the egg unite, it is God's will that a child should be born. I believe that what God has joined together, let no one put asunder. Adoption is the answer if a woman is unwilling or unable to care for her unborn child.
Source: 2022 Oklahoma Senate campaign website JoanFarr.com Dec 13, 2021

Cyndi Munson: Put repeal of state abortion ban on the ballot

Repeal Oklahoma's Abortion Ban: Oklahoma has one of the strictest abortion bans in the country, with no exceptions for rape or incest. Doctors are unable to treat women patients, birth control and contraception are at risk of being banned, and women are not able to find the healthcare they need. Cyndi will send the repeal of the abortion ban to a vote of the people so Oklahomans can get the care they deserve.
Source: 2026 Oklahoma Gubernatorial campaign website CyndiMunson.com Aug 13, 2025

  • The above quotations are from State of Oklahoma Politicians: Archives.
  • Click here for definitions & background information on Abortion.
  • Click here for other issues (main summary page).
2024 Presidential contenders on Abortion:
  Candidates for President & Vice-President:
V.P.Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.(I-CA)
Chase Oliver(L-GA)
Dr.Jill Stein(D-MA)
Former Pres.Donald Trump(R-FL)
Sen.J.D.Vance(R-OH)
Gov.Tim Walz(D-MN)
Dr.Cornel West(I-NJ)

2024 presidential primary contenders:
Pres.Joe_Biden(D-DE)
N.D.Gov.Doug Burgum(R)
N.J.Gov.Chris_Christie(R)
Fla.Gov.Ron_DeSantis(R)
S.C.Gov.Nikki_Haley(R)
Ark.Gov.Asa_Hutchinson(R)
Former V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN)
U.S.Rep.Dean_Phillips(D-MN)
Vivek_Ramaswamy(R-OH)
S.C.Sen.Tim_Scott(R)
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Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026