Oklahoma lawmaker amends bill on pro-life signs amid outcry from business owners

Oklahoma Senator A.J. Griffin is reconsidering a legislation that would have required businesses in the state to post pro-life signs in public restrooms after business owners complained about the costs.

The regulation that was passed last week would have required all businesses regulated by the state health department to put a pro-life sign that will direct pregnant women to services that would help them with their pregnancy, according to World Magazine.

The sign, which is aimed at creating an "abortion-free society," would have read: "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."

A number of businesses have expressed their concern about the cost of putting up the sign because no government money was approved for the proposal. It was estimated that the project would cost about $2.3 million.

"We don't have any concern about the information they're trying to get out to women about their babies and their pregnancy. This is just the wrong way to do it," said Jim Hooper, president of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association, according to Live Action News.

"It's just another mandate on small businesses. It's not just restaurants. It includes hospitals, nursing homes. It just doesn't make sense," he added.

Griffin stated in a press release that the amended proposal would remove the requirement for businesses to put up the signs with the exception of abortion facilities. She said that the new language on the bill would call on the Health Department to publicize the information through social media.

The senator told World Magazine that the cost estimates have been greatly exaggerated, and she added that the social media campaign would significantly lower the amount needed for the project.

The regulation is set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2018 as part of the requirements in Oklahoma's Humanity of the Unborn Child Act. It was signed into law by Gov. Mary Fallin on June 6.

Griffin's new proposal will be considered by the legislature when it convenes on Feb. 6, 2017. Health Department officials have been asked to pause any work related to the program while the proposal is awaiting consideration.