Latest news with #DustyDeevers
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Oklahoma Senate takes bold step to improve women's health
A tip of the hat to Oklahoma's state senators who managed to do some good governing that, for once, actually would help improve women's health. These brave lawmakers voted to allow women to access six months' worth of birth control at a time. That would make life infinitely easier for tens of thousands of Oklahomans who rely on contraceptives to prevent unwanted pregnancies or to treat other medical problems such as acne, irregular periods or endometriosis. Any legislation aimed at safely blocking unplanned pregnancies should be an easy win for lawmakers who have all but banned abortions and who abhor the idea of women traveling out of state or taking medicine to end pregnancies. But apparently even the idea of easing women's access to birth control was still a bridge too far for a 13-member bloc of Republicans who spent considerable time fearmongering and bashing their constituents who utilize safe sex practices. More: I nearly died giving birth. A new Oklahoma bill could've prevented my care | Opinion In their minds, men and women who rely on extremely safe and common contraceptives are murderers because they're preventing the fertilization of a human embryo. I've been called a lot of things in my life, but I think that's the first time I've been accused of murder. This is a good reminder that legislators should really think before they speak. KFF reported that last year, 82% of reproductive-age women used a contraceptive. Oral birth control and condoms were the most common. At one time, I utilized oral contraceptives for family planning purposes. My doctor and I — not my elected representatives — determined daily medication was the best option for me. The oral birth control pills my doctor prescribed required that I take them at the same time each day for them to be effective. At the end of each month, I would cringe because I had to make a special trip to the pharmacy to refill the prescription. Anybody who has ventured to a pharmacy knows it can be an arduous process. There was a period of time when my insurance company allowed me to get a two-month supply at once, which was a small miracle. But at some point that benefit vanished. That's one reason I was so thrilled to hear that lawmakers were considering legislation that would enshrine that convenience into law threefold. More: My daughter has Type 1 diabetes. New bill will hurt vulnerable patients like her. | Opinion But rather than focusing on the good that it would do, some of our lawmakers focused on insulting not only women's honor by accusing them of murder, but their intelligence. They railed about how 'very dangerous' contraceptives are. Republican Sen. Dusty Deevers went so far as to insist that women on birth control have smaller-than-normal brains and increased rates of depression, anger and suicide. He also said birth control pills cause women's sex drives to decrease, leading to less intercourse. And he warned of increased rates of blood clots, strokes, heart attacks and cervical cancer. Using contraception is a choice. And it should always remain an accessible choice — for both men and women who want to lower their chances of contracting a sexually transmitted infection or becoming a parent. Contraception is not for everyone. I respect the decision of women who choose not to use it for whatever reason just as I respect the decision of women who need access to it. And yes, there are very low risks to using contraceptives — just like there are with any medication. But as it turns out, women face higher risks of blood clots and stroke while pregnant compared with being on birth control. I wonder why lawmakers conveniently forgot to mention that little nugget. I took acetaminophen while writing this column because legislators' arguments were making my small brain hurt. Out of curiosity I decided to read about the possible side effects of generic Tylenol. It turns out that it can cause bloody stool, produce sores on the lips, or make eyes or skin turn yellow. And since men in the Oklahoma Legislature feel the need to focus on medication that primarily affects women, I decided to look into one for them. Complications of a popular men's drug to treat erectile dysfunction include risks such as vision changes and hearing loss. There's a risk to everything in life. Some are greater than others. But that's why medications are prescribed in consultation with our trusted physicians, and each medication comes with a disclaimer. Oftentimes the benefits outweigh the risks. Most rational people understand that you can't murder what doesn't exist, and just because someone is engaged in sexual intercourse doesn't mean they're automatically going to fertilize an embryo. Just ask the families who are struggling to conceive. Experts place the odds of becoming pregnant at about 15% to 25% each month though things like age and sexual frequency could impact that. Luckily, a bipartisan coalition of Republicans and Democrats saw through the charade, because there was a brief moment when I thought the Democrat-proposed bill would meet a terrible demise. I was pleasantly surprised. Now we must wait and see if our House legislators and governor can match that intestinal fortitude. We women are watching. Janelle Stecklein is editor of Oklahoma Voice. An award-winning journalist, Stecklein has been covering Oklahoma government and politics since moving to the state in 2014. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OK senator says women on birth control have smaller brains | Opinion
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Oklahoma senators spurned fearmongering about women's health. Will the House and governor step up?
A packet of birth control pills is pictured. (Getty Images) (This image cannot be republished unless you have a Getty subscription.) A tip of the hat to Oklahoma's state senators who managed to do some good governing that, for once, actually would help improve women's health. These brave lawmakers voted to allow women to access six months's worth of birth control at a time. That would make life infinitely easier for tens of thousands of Oklahomans who rely on contraceptives to prevent unwanted pregnancies or to treat other medical problems such as acne, irregular periods or endometriosis. Any legislation aimed at safely blocking unplanned pregnancies should be an easy win for lawmakers who have all but banned abortions and who abhor the idea of women traveling out of state or taking medicine to end pregnancies. But apparently even the idea of easing women's access to birth control was still a bridge too far for a 13-member bloc of Republicans who spent considerable time fearmongering and bashing their constituents who utilize safe sex practices. In their minds, men and women who rely on extremely safe and common contraceptives are murderers because they're preventing the fertilization of a human embryo. I've been called a lot of things in my life, but I think that's the first time I've been accused of murder. This is a good reminder that legislators should really think before they speak. KFF reported that last year, 82% of reproductive-aged women used a contraceptive. Oral birth control and condoms were the most common. At one time, I utilized oral contraceptives for family planning purposes. My doctor and I – not my elected representatives – determined daily medication was the best option for me. The oral birth control pills my doctor prescribed required that I take them at the same time each day for them to be effective. At the end of each month, I would cringe because I had to make a special trip to the pharmacy to refill the prescription. Anybody who has ventured to a pharmacy knows it can be an arduous process. There was a period of time when my insurance company allowed me to get a two-month supply at once, which was a small miracle. But at some point that benefit vanished. That's one reason I was so thrilled to hear that lawmakers were considering legislation that would enshrine that convenience into law threefold. But rather than focusing on the good that it would do, some of our lawmakers focused on insulting not only women's honor by accusing them of murder, but their intelligence. They railed about how 'very dangerous' contraceptives are. Republican Sen. Dusty Deevers went so far as to insist that women on birth control have smaller-than-normal brains and increased rates of depression, anger and suicide. He also said birth control pills cause women's sex drives to decrease, leading to less intercourse. And he warned of increased rates of blood clots, strokes, heart attacks, and cervical cancer. Using contraception is a choice. And it should always remain an accessible choice — for both men and women who want to lower their chances of contracting a sexually transmitted infection or becoming a parent. Contraception is not for everyone. I respect the decision of women who choose not to use it for whatever reason just as I respect the decision of women who need access to it. And yes, there are very low risks to using contraceptives – just like there are with any medication. But as it turns out, women face higher risks of blood clots and stroke while pregnant compared with being on birth control. I wonder why lawmakers conveniently forgot to mention that little nugget. I took acetaminophen while writing this column because legislators' arguments were making my small brain hurt. Out of curiosity I decided to read about the possible side effects of generic Tylenol. It turns out that it can cause bloody stool, produce sores on the lips, or make eyes or skin turn yellow. And since men in the Oklahoma Legislature feel the need to focus on medication that primarily affects women, I decided to look into one for them. Complications of a popular men's drug to treat erectile dysfunction include risks such as vision changes and hearing loss. There's a risk to everything in life. Some are greater than others. But that's why medications are prescribed in consultation with our trusted physicians, and each medication comes with a disclaimer. Oftentimes the benefits outweigh the risks. Most rational people understand that you can't murder what doesn't exist, and just because someone is engaged in sexual intercourse doesn't mean they're automatically going to fertilize an embryo. Just ask the families who are struggling to conceive. Experts place the odds of becoming pregnant at around 15% to 25% each month though things like age and sexual frequency could impact that. Luckily, a bipartisan coalition of Republicans and Democrats saw through the charade, because there was a brief moment when I thought the Democrat-proposed bill would meet a terrible demise. I was pleasantly surprised. Now we must wait and see if our House legislators and governor can match that intestinal fortitude. We women are watching. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Three anti-abortion bills are progressing in the Oklahoma Legislature. What to know about them
Medical providers are barred from providing abortions in Oklahoma unless it's necessary to protect the mother's life, but still, several bills targeting the procedure were introduced in the state Legislature this year with some making progress. A reproductive rights advocate called the continued fight against abortion a larger effort to control the bodies of Oklahomans, adding that the proposed laws will deter medical providers from the state, impacting everyone who lives in it. More: Three conservative bills by Sen. Dusty Deevers fail committee with bipartisan disapproval So far, just four bills targeting abortion have been heard in committee, though a hearing doesn't guarantee a bill will pass through the Legislature. One of the four bills failed in committee while the three are still progressing. The House Public Health Committee and the House Health and Human Services Committee approved a bill from Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, this month that would classify abortion as a felony for providers and grant protections for fetuses. If it passes the Legislature, the bill would revive Senate Bill 612, which was signed into law in 2022 before being struck down by the Oklahoma Supreme Court in 2023. Under SB 612, abortion was classified as a felony for medical providers who perform the procedure with a potential of 10 years in prison or fines of up to $100,000. The law only allowed abortions in cases where they're necessary to save the life of the mother in a "medical emergency." In 2023, the state Supreme Court ruled SB 612 was unconstitutional. The court decided that the Oklahoma Constitution already "protects the right of a woman to terminate her pregnancy in order to preserve her life." Olsen told The Oklahoman in December that he rewrote SB 612's language to match the Oklahoma Supreme Court's preferences. HB 1008 nixes the definition of "medical emergency" in SB 612 and prohibits providers from performing an abortion "unless necessary to preserve the life of a pregnant woman." But it's legislation like this that affects the retention and attraction of medical providers to the state, said Tamya Cox-Touré, the executive director of the ACLU of Oklahoma. She said doctors are leaving because they're not able to provide their best judgment care due to legal restrictions. "Because of ideological views, Oklahomans suffer from not having the best medical providers in our state because they're refusing to come to our state or they're leaving because of laws like these," Cox-Touré said. More: US Supreme Court sets date to hear Oklahoma's religious charter school case The bill also requires that the medical provider performing an abortion must prioritize "preserving both the life of the pregnant woman and the life of the baby" unless it's determined that the birth of the fetus is a threat to the life of the mother. Olsen said the intent behind including the preservation of the fetus is to "recognize the humanity of the baby." During the House Public Health Committee meeting on Monday, Rep. Ellen Pogemiller, D-Oklahoma City, asked Olsen if under HB 1008, it could be confusing for doctors to determine if the pregnant woman's health is more at harm compared to the fetus' health. "I am confident that medical personnel have greater capabilities and qualifications to do that so they can make these determinations," Olsen answered. He said he's in favor of maternal health, adding that he also wants consideration for the life of the fetus. "This is an equal rights issue," Olsen said. "We want to consider the life of the mother. We want to consider that the baby has a right to life." HB 1008 is now eligible to be heard on the House floor. Early this month, HB 1168 passed the House Criminal Judiciary Committee 4-1 and could impose drug trafficking charges on someone who possesses or delivers an abortion-inducing drug to another person intending to terminate their pregnancy. If passed, a person convicted of trafficking abortion-inducing drugs shall be guilty of a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $100,000 or both. The bill, authored by Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader, R-Piedmont, provides exceptions for lawful pharmacists, manufacturers and distributors. HB 1168 was referred to the House Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight Committee. More: Gov. Stitt announces state partnership with ICE to arrest undocumented immigrants The author also introduced HB 1169, which would repeal sections in the Oklahoma Statutes related to abortion pills and nix language recognizing mifepristone as an FDA-approved drug for terminating pregnancies. The bill passed the Public Health House Committee. HB 1169 was referred to the House Health and Human Services Oversight Committee. Despite laws in states like Oklahoma that ban medical abortions, the right to receive abortion pills by mail remains legal in all states through services like Plan C. Plan C is a national information campaign that showcases avenues to obtaining abortion pills for people across the country. "With House Bill 1168, we don't know what the true impact is because one, it shouldn't be and it is not illegal for Oklahomans to get an abortion," Cox-Touré said. "They obviously aren't able to get it here in Oklahoma, but it's not illegal for Oklahomans to get an abortion." One anti-abortion bill was granted a hearing in the Criminal Judiciary Senate Committee earlier this month, but was shot down by legislators from both political parties. Authored by Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, SB 456 would've allowed Oklahomans who obtain an abortion to be charged with first-degree murder. "We have a protected class of murderer in our state," Deevers said during the hearing. Cox-Touré said Oklahomans don't want to see people obtaining abortions charged with murder regardless of how they feel about the procedure. "(Oklahomans) truly believe in the idea that the government should stay out of health care decision, and to go as far as making a very private health care decision to now be charged with first-degree, I think it's too extreme for anyone," she said. The bill failed 6-2 in committee with bipartisan disapproval. Sen. Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville, told Deevers in the meeting that his bill wouldn't reduce the number of abortions, and instead, would expose women to capital punishment. Several other anti-abortion bills have yet to see a hearing in committee, including two from Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant: SB 883 and 884, one from Rep. Molly Jenkins, R-Coyle: HB 1724, and another from Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville: SB 989. "We continue to see anti-abortion bills because we have legislators that are so focused more on ideological issues as opposed to real world problems that Oklahomans are facing," Cox-Touré said. "Even though abortion is effectively banned in our state, it is important to know that our state Supreme Court has said there is a right to an abortion in limited circumstances." This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: These anti-abortion bills are progressing in the Oklahoma Legislature
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bill could prohibit state employees from protesting during work hours
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – A proposed bill that would keep state employees from protesting during work hours passed through a Senate committee on Tuesday. Senate Bill 481 was authored by Senator Dusty Deevers (R-Elgin). It would prohibit public employees from school districts, state agencies, and political subdivisions whose 'salary or wages are paid with taxpayer dollars' to protest while on the clock. 'It maintains employees free speech rights, but they may still express political views on their own time, but not on the taxpayer's time and the taxpayer's dime,' said Deevers. OKLAHOMA POLITICS: Bixby Public Schools Superintendent announces run for State Superintendent The bill would also prevent state workers from using taxpayer-funded computers, equipment, or vehicles during a protest.'It's important to know that the First Amendment guarantees the right of citizens to speak freely, but not the right of government employees to engage in political activism while on the clock,' said Deevers. In recent weeks, protests against immigration and school board decisions have happened in Oklahoma. Many also remember the Oklahoma Teacher Walkout in 2018, where teachers and staff demanded higher wages. A decision was made nine days later. Lawmakers against the bill question its broad scope.'This is intended to limit public employees from associating with each other, from conducting community outreach,' said Sen. Julia Kirt (D-Oklahoma City). 'The definitions are so broad as to distinguish protests from advocacy and community outreach. I think it would create problems at the local level. I cannot support this roadway.' The bill, which passed 6-2, will now head to the Senate floor. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Oklahoma lawmakers reject giving women death penalty, abortion abolitionists vow fight isn't over
Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, is sworn into the state Senate surrounded by his wife and children on Dec. 20, 2023, at the Oklahoma State Capitol. (Photo by Carmen Forman/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY – A bipartisan coalition of state senators rebuffed a bill that could have subjected women who receive an abortion to the death penalty, but supporters are vowing to resurrect it. 'We abolishioners will not rest until we have effected the abolishment of human abortion,' said Alan Maricle, who is part of the Abolitionist Society of Tulsa. The Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday in a bipartisan vote killed Senate Bill 456 by Sen. Dusty Deevers. The measure would have subjected women who receive an abortion to homicide charges and penalties including life in prison and death sentences. The bill would have also outlawed abortion-inducing drugs. It would not apply to cases where an abortion is necessary to save the life of the mother or to miscarriages. 'Children are being murdered in our state,' said Deevers, while seeking to advance the bill. Oklahoma has some of the strongest anti-abortion laws in the nation. Oklahoma clinics that offered the procedure have closed, resulting in women seeking an abortion to travel to other states. Abortions are banned except to save the life of the mother. In June, the state Health Department reported that there have been zero abortions in the state since May 2022. Deevers said there is a massive loophole in Oklahoma's anti-abortion laws, namely that women escape prosecution. The state has 'protected a class' of murderers, he said. Sen. Shane Jett, R-Shawnee, a committee member who voted for the measure, said there are rumors that a ballot initiative may be coming on abortion access. Supporters of abortion-rights have discussed an initiative petition to legalize abortion, but have not circulated a successful petition. 'The fear of a pro-abortion ballot measure should not deter us from doing what is right and just before God,' Deevers said. During the committee meeting, lawmakers questioned how the measure would be enforced, suggesting that it could require pregnancy tests for women who leave and return to the state. They also questioned whether the mail of pregnant women would need to be searched for abortion-inducing drugs. Cindy Nguyen, ACLU of Oklahoma policy director, said Friday that bills in the Oklahoma Legislature have a way of coming back, even if they were voted down or not heard. She said she was pleased both sides of the aisle understood just how 'dangerous' the bill was. She expects the bill to return though. 'It tends to come up every year,' she said. The abortion bills being introduced and passed in Oklahoma have contributed to doctors not wanting to practice in Oklahoma, resulting in maternity care deserts, Nguyen said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
