Oklahoma Representative Proposes ‘Life Begins at Conception’ Amendment to Constitution

Oklahoma State Capitol

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — Bill filing season is in full swing a little under a month before state lawmakers head back to the Capitol for the legislative session.

Rep. Jim Olsen (R-Roland) has already filed one controversial bill this year that would see the Ten Commandments posted in every single public school classroom.

Now, he’s putting his name on a House Joint Resolution to let the people of Oklahoma vote on a proposed amendment to the state constitution.

The amendment would enshrine in the constitution that “personhood begins at conception.”

In Olsen’s HJR, he defines “conception” as the fertilization of an egg with sperm and “personhood” as a human being with characteristics, feelings, and individualized DNA.

After the overturning of Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court, abortion has been largely outlawed in the state of Oklahoma. There are few exceptions to state law banning its practice.

Rep. Olsen has maintained a strict anti-abortion stance since he became a state lawmaker. He’s made controversial comments in the past comparing efforts to end abortion to the fight against slavery.

The deadline for filing bills and joint resolutions is January 18.

Thousands of bills will be filed by both the House and Senate. Only a few hundred will make it to the Governor’s desk.

Many bills will never make it to the House and Senate floors.