Jake Merrick on Abortion

Different DNA means mom & fetus are distinct & separate

"We need to cherish the two- and three-year-olds, the preschooler, the kid in grade school, and we need to get our young people workforce ready,” said Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond.

"As a matter of public policy, I am opposed to abortion in all circumstances,” said candidate Mike Mazzei.

Jake Merrick shared his perspective, saying, "DNA is created, and it becomes completely distinct and separate from the mom, and it's a totally unique human being."

Charles McCall highlighted past initiatives, saying, "Some of the smartest things we did was put state money into a public trust for our crisis pregnancy centers, to go draw that money out."

I'm an abortion abolitionist, not a regulator

Unconstitutional to disallow abortion from conception

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 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; Merrick voted NO; passed House 73-16-11 on May/19/22; signed by Gov. Stitt on May/25/22; declared unconstitutional by Okla. Supreme Court on May/31/23