By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/oklahoma-lawmakers-fail-to-make-doctor-performed-abortions-a-felony Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Oklahoma lawmakers fail to make doctor-performed abortions a felony Nation May 27, 2016 4:56 PM EDT OKLAHOMA CITY — Doctors who perform abortions in Oklahoma won’t be guilty of a felony after the state Senate adjourned for the year without trying to override Republican Gov. Mary Fallin’s veto of a bill to make it a felony crime. The Senate ended the session Friday before state Sen. Nathan Dahm tried an override on his bill to remove an exemption from the law for licensed doctors. Anti-abortion Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature wanted Dahm to try for the two-thirds vote needed in both chambers. It is a felony for non-doctors to perform abortions. Fallin has signed numerous anti-abortion bills, but said Dahm’s bill was vaguely worded and wouldn’t survive a legal challenge. Senate President Pro Tem Brian Bingman said he didn’t believe Dahm had the 32 Senate votes needed. SUBSCRIBE: Get the analysis of Mark Shields and David Brooks delivered to your inbox every week. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press
OKLAHOMA CITY — Doctors who perform abortions in Oklahoma won’t be guilty of a felony after the state Senate adjourned for the year without trying to override Republican Gov. Mary Fallin’s veto of a bill to make it a felony crime. The Senate ended the session Friday before state Sen. Nathan Dahm tried an override on his bill to remove an exemption from the law for licensed doctors. Anti-abortion Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature wanted Dahm to try for the two-thirds vote needed in both chambers. It is a felony for non-doctors to perform abortions. Fallin has signed numerous anti-abortion bills, but said Dahm’s bill was vaguely worded and wouldn’t survive a legal challenge. Senate President Pro Tem Brian Bingman said he didn’t believe Dahm had the 32 Senate votes needed. SUBSCRIBE: Get the analysis of Mark Shields and David Brooks delivered to your inbox every week. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now