Oklahoma governor cuts public funding for abortion providers

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has issued an executive order terminating any Medicaid contracts with pro-abortion healthcare providers.

“Oklahoma is a pro-life state, and our policies should reflect that at every level of our government,” Stitt said in a July 31 press release. “We won’t allow tax dollars to indirectly subsidize and flow into the abortion industry under the guise of women’s health.

“My order makes sure every public dollar aligns with our values and supports providers who respect life at every stage.”

The governor directed the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to revise provider standards to comply with pro-life laws and terminate existing contracts with providers who perform, refer or are affiliated with abortion services.

After Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, Stitt signed a strict pro-life law protecting unborn children from the moment of conception. Exceptions are allowed in instances when the mother’s life is at risk, such as ectopic pregnancies.

In June, pro-lifers notched another legal victory when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled states had the right to decide whether to include Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers in their Medicaid funding.

Now states such as Oklahoma are cutting off their public funding.

One Planned Parenthood official accused Stitt of prioritizing politics over public health.

“Once again, Governor Stitt is putting his political agenda above the health and safety of Oklahomans who are simply trying to access critical care, like cancer screenings, birth control, and STI testing and treatment,” said Emily Wales, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains.

“Planned Parenthood Great Plains remains committed to delivering high-quality, affordable health care. Our doors are open, and our providers are ready to help.”

While the group does offer non-pregnancy related services, its own reporting shows abortions make up 97% of “pregnancy resolution services,” according to the Charlotte Lozier Institute.

Just 1.6% of pregnancies at Planned Parenthood receive prenatal services, 0.9% miscarriage care and 0.4% adoption referrals.