Oklahoma would become the fourth state in the country to require women to wait 72 hours before receiving an abortion under a bill overwhelmingly approved by a state Senate committee.
The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services voted 8-1 on Monday for the bill that increases the wait time from 24 to 72 hours after a woman receives required information about the procedure. It now heads to the full Senate.
Supporters say the bill gives a woman more time before she makes an irrevocable decision, but opponents say it provides another barrier to a woman seeking a safe and legal medical procedure.
The abortion rights nonprofit Guttmacher Institute says only three other states currently have 72-hour waiting periods: Missouri, South Dakota and Utah.
-----
KGOU relies on voluntary contributions from readers and listeners to further its mission of public service to Oklahoma and beyond. To contribute to our efforts, make your donation online, or contact our Membership department.
