Abortion in Oklahoma: Restraining Order Upheld

In our ongoing reports on a new law in Oklahoma that would make public certain details of women who undergo abortions, there is an update on the restraining order that was issued in order to halt enforcement of the law.  The state was unsuccessful in its attempt to compel the court to dismiss the temporary restraining order.  Oklahoma County Judge Twyla Mason Gray's denied the state's bid to begin complying with the state bill, Oklahoma House Bill 1595.

Beyond publishing details about the mother including age, education, and date of abortion among other information, the law also prohibits gender-based abortion and would establishes additional reporting responsibilities for state agencies.

The law would have become effective on November 1st 2009.  However, in light of a lawsuit filed by two women who allege that the law violates Oklahoma's state constitution, in which the women seek injunction to prevent enforcement of the law indefinitely, the temporary restraining order was granted to bar enforcement of the law until the matter is decided.

A hearing on the temporary injunction is scheduled for December 4, 2009.  Though this Oklahoma bill is gaining national attention, it is one of 2,500 that were passed by the state in February 2009.

Related Resources:

• Judge Denies State Abortion Law Motion (Fox23.com)
• New Oklahoma state laws go into effect (TulsaWorld)
• In Oklahoma, Women's Abortion Details Will Be Posted Online (FindLaw's Law & Daily Life)
• Update: Oklahoma Abortion Law Temporarily Restrained (FindLaw's Law & Daily Life)
• Privacy Rights (in FAQ) (provided by Knapp & Roberts)