House passes omnibus anti-abortion legislation

OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma House has given its approval to a new list of anti-abortion guidelines.

Legislation approved by lawmakers on Wednesday combines several anti-abortion initiatives into one bill.

Among other things, it protects health care professionals' freedom of conscience by affirming their right to refuse to participate in the taking of a human life.

It also expands on pro-life legislation passed in 2006 that required abortion doctors to tell a woman she had a right to a free ultrasound at an offsite location. This measure would provide an ultrasound at the clinic where the abortion would be performed.

In addition, the bill regulates use of the chemical abortion pill RU-486.

The measure now goes to the Senate for consideration.