Oklahoma Allows Handicapped Parking For Pregnant Women

Oklahoma has become the first state to allow pregnant women access to handicapped parking placards.

"This is a welcome change to the law governing handicapped parking in Oklahoma, one which will make life a little easier and a little safer for women in the third trimester of pregnancy," commented Sen. Susan Paddack, D-Ada. "It's not often that we get the opportunity to really help some of our fellow Oklahomans without incurring any actual cost, but this is just such a bill, and we are delighted that Governor Henry has signed it into law."

Morgan, the leader of the House Democratic Caucus, said the idea for the legislation came during the recent ice storms when he witnessed a pregnant woman having to cross an icy parking lot on foot.

"The consequences of a fall at such a late stage in a woman's pregnancy could be very serious," Morgan said. "If that woman had been allowed to use the handicap spot near the entrance, she would have been at much less risk of an injury."

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