Oklahoma plans to require hospitals, nursing homes, restaurants and public schools to post signs inside public restrooms directing pregnant women where to receive services as part of an effort to reduce abortions in the state.
The provision was passed into law this year. It requires the state to develop informational material “for the purpose of achieving an abortion-free society.”
The State Board of Health this week began considering implementation of regulations for the signs. And businesses and other organizations will foot the bill, estimated at $2.3 million, because the legislature did not appropriate money for them.
Under the law, the signs would say, “There are many public and private agencies willing and able to help you carry your child to term and assist you and your child after your child is born, whether you choose to keep your child or to place him or her for adoption. The state of Oklahoma strongly urges you to contact them if you are pregnant.”
The signs would also include a link to the Health Department’s website.
Jim Hopper, the president of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association, said it’s going to cost each restaurant around $100.
“It’s an unfunded mandate on small business,” said Hopper. “As far as the restaurant business is concerned, it’s not necessary.”
The Oklahoma Hospital Association projected it would cost at least $225,000 for signage at the state’s 140 licensed hospitals.
The signs must be posted by January 2018.
Use the video link to see reaction from residents of Lawton, Oklahoma.
(Information from texomashomepage.com)
