OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma Legislature has approved a budget that for the first time includes millions of dollars in funding for anti-abortion crisis pregnancy centers, as other states grapple with tightening abortion restrictions.
The Senate on Tuesday approved the $8.1 billion general appropriations bill for the fiscal year beginning July 1. The budget proposal now heads to Gov. Kevin Stitt, who is expected to sign it.
The Oklahoman reports the $2 million for crisis pregnancy centers would be the state’s first anti-abortion funding since lawmakers passed the 2017 Choosing Childbirth Act.
Proponent Rep. Jon Echols says the centers help pregnant women purchase maternity clothes, prenatal care and more.
Critics say the money being apportioned to dissuade women from abortions could be used for other health care initiatives.
