As part of the Republican Party's ongoing efforts to turn America into a society based on The Handmaid's Tale (if it had been written by George Orwell), Oklahoma Republicans have forced through some new, properly theocratic signage.
Oklahoma plans to force hospitals, nursing homes, restaurants and public schools to post signs inside public restrooms directing pregnant women where to receive services as part of an effort to reduce abortions in the state. [...]The provision for the signs was tucked into a law that the Legislature passed this year that requires the state to develop informational material "for the purpose of achieving an abortion-free society." The signs must be posted by January 2018.
No money was allocated to the signs, which means nursing homes (sigh) will have to put up the anti-abortion signage on their own dime. And it includes nursing homes because it includes all public bathrooms in the state.
Maybe state legislators should be more eager to put up signs in public bathrooms explaining why drug addiction is bad for you and where you could get help for that. But the election is over and lawmakers no longer have to pretend to give a shit about that anymore. Instead, it's time to preach to the ladyfolk!
Under the law, the signs would state: "There are many public and private agencies willing and able to help you carry your child to term and assist you and your child after your child is born, whether you choose to keep your child or to place him or her for adoption. The State of Oklahoma strongly urges you to contact them if you are pregnant." The signs would also include a link to the Health Department's website.
This is, of course, untrue, as Oklahoma is one of the states least willing to assist you and your child after your child is born. But it's very important to Republicans to write down how much they care on a sign somewhere so everyone will know. As long as they don't actually have to pay for that care.
Or even the freakin’ signs themselves.