Oklahoma City, OK (LifeNews.com) -- The Oklahoma Senate put the finishing touches on a comprehensive abortion bill and sent the measure to Gov. Brad Henry for his signature. The bill, SB 1878, combines several pro-life measures previously passed by the House to reduce abortions.

The Senate voted 38-10 for the bill with Republicans and some Democrats voting for it and some Democrats voting against it.

There is no word yet on whether Henry, a Democrat, will sign the bill but the veto-proof majority in the Senate means the legislature may be able to override a veto should that happen.

The bill includes protection for the conscience rights of health care professionals to refuse to participate in abortions, puts more limits in place on the dangerous abortion drug RU 486, and makes sure women are not pressured or forced into having an abortion.

The measure also includes an ultrasound provision to allow women to see pictures of their unborn child and hopefully seek alternatives and it disallows so-called wrongful life lawsuits where parents can sue doctors for the birth of a disabled baby instead of suggesting an abortion.

"The unborn child needs every bit of help we can give," Lauinger, the head of Oklahomans for Life, told LifeNews.com previously about his group's support for the legislation.

He said the "pro-life bill helps pregnant women, unborn children, pro-life health-care professionals, and persons with disabilities" and is urging pro-life Oklahoma residents to call or email their state senators to urge support for the bill.

Lauinger said it is "vital that Governor Brad Henry hear from pro-life Oklahomans urging him to sign SB 1878 into law."

ACTION: Contact Oklahoma Gov. Brad henry and urge strong support for the bill. You can find complete contact information at http://www.governor.state.ok.us/contact.php

Related web sites:
Oklahomans for Life - http://www.okforlife.org