Scientists, clinicians, and bioethicists are
worried about how so-called personhood measures would limit access to certain
types of contraception, research involving stem cells, and access to fertility
treatments. While these measures have been struck down in Colorado,
South Dakota, California,
and Mississippi, the bill signed into law in Oklahoma in February
deserves critical scrutiny, particularly into the ways these legal measures
influence eligibility for clinical research. Oklahoma’s bill states that the laws of the
state “shall be interpreted and construed to acknowledge on behalf of the
unborn child at every stage of development all the rights, privileges, and
immunities available to other persons, citizens, and residents of this state.”
Scientists, clinicians, and bioethicists are
worried about how so-called personhood measures would limit access to certain
types of contraception, research involving stem cells, and access to fertility
treatments. While these measures have been struck down in Colorado,
South Dakota, California,
and Mississippi, the bill signed into law in Oklahoma in February
deserves critical scrutiny, particularly into the ways these legal measures
influence eligibility for clinical research. Oklahoma’s bill states that the laws of the
state “shall be interpreted and construed to acknowledge on behalf of the
unborn child at every stage of development all the rights, privileges, and
immunities available to other persons, citizens, and residents of this state.”