Studio Central Special Edition: Abortion

DISCLAIMER: Studio Central chose to focus on the topic of abortion, as strict new laws began to sweep the country, including Oklahoma. Governor Kevin Stitt signed two anti-abortion laws into effect, and a United States Supreme Court draft opinion has leaked that appears to suggest the overturning of Roe v Wade. Studio Central approached this from all sides of the issue in order to ensure credibility and fairness on a volatile issue. You can either watch the long-form special above or individual stories below on a wide range of subjects connecting to abortion.

On April 12, 2022, Governor Kevin Stitt signed the first of his two, thus far, anti-abortion bills into law. Stitt said, “We want Oklahoma to be the most Pro-Life state in the Country. We want to outlaw abortion in the state of Oklahoma.”

How does this impact those facing pregnancy in the state of Oklahoma?

Studio Central’s Jonathan Richardson interviewed a UCO student who made the choice to have an abortion, and gained her perspective on why she made that decision.

Studio Central’s Brooke Niver sat down with another woman who made a different choice, and decided forge ahead with her pregnancy, and gained her perspective as to why she made that decision.

Logan Gasset met with Jennifer Lanter, the Vice President of Communications and Education at Gladney Adoption, to discuss how Oklahoma’s anti-abortion bills could potentially impact adoption.

However, these anti-abortion bills are going to face some challenges in the coming months.

The Center for Reproductive Rights has vowed to challenge Oklahoma’s anti-abortion laws. The President of the Center for Reproductive Rights, Nancy Northup, said in a statement that was provided to Studio Central “the center has sued the State of Oklahoma ten times in the past decade to protect abortion access and we will challenge this law as well to stop this travesty from ever taking effect.”

The passing of these bills, along with the Supreme Court of the United State’s ruling on McGirt v Oklahoma, and the potential for Roe v Wade being overturned has lead many to wonder what impact these laws could have in what is defined as “Indian Country.”

How do medical centers feel about the anti-abortion laws that have been passed? Studio Central’s Eden Jones met with Zack Gingrich-Gaylord, the Communications Director at Trust Women Health Clinic to find out.

How do religious groups on campus at UCO feel about the laws that Governor Stitt has signed? Brinlee Lenochan of Studio Central met with Mackenzie VanZee, the head of UCO Wesley Communications to gain perspective on what the Wesley Ministry group on campus thinks.

In order to prevent teen pregnancy, what are schools doing to prepare their students and inform them on safe sex, abstinence, or teen pregnancy? Studio Central’s Ben Anderson sat with several high school students and found out?

How do Governor Kevin Stitt’s bills impact those that are sexually assaulted and may become pregnant as a result of their assault? Studio Central’s Cameron Foral met with a Sexual Assault survivor in order to gain some perspective.

This is an ever-evolving situation, and UCentral Media and Studio Central will keep you informed of everything that happens with regards to anti-abortion legislation, Roe v Wade, and any other news regarding abortion in Oklahoma.