Becca Yanez (OU)
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Members of the house saw its first bill submitted by Oral Roberts University Junior, Representative Betheline Sarfo “In Certified Hands” Act of 2021.” (ORU-506).
The bill would require all new parents to become CPR certified. Penalties include fees being put onto the parents if they did not oblige within three months
“I saw so many reports about children drowning, falling down and dying and dying of cardiac arrest or maybe participating in sports and their heart fails and parents not knowing how to respond in that situation and how to react and treat their child. And in those crucial moments you know, its life or death….” Rep. Sarfo said while discussing the inspiration behind the legislation;
“If parents were required to take some sort of certification course, then maybe these instances of death in children would largely diminish.”
Proponents of the bill argued CPR certification is an important life skill.
“As someone that is CPR certified, I do believe this is something that more people should be actively pursuing, especially parents to young children,” Rep. Ndubeni said. “That is because children are more vulnerable to situations where they could need first aid or emergency help that might not necessarily appear in time.”
Despite the intent being well-received, the bill faced much opposition.
“I like the concept and idea of this bill. It’s just, the way it was written- it seems like it might be a burden on low income households and single parents,” Rep. King said. “Also it didn’t really allow for a lot of time for people to get the certifications, especially for newborns.”
Ultimately, the bill failed. However, Sarfo still felt that the issue she was advocating for held a lot of value.
“A lot of people had issues with the little details that encompass every single scenario,” Sarfo said. “I personally think it (the bill) was a really good effort on my part and that I attempted to address what needed to be addressed in regards to child safety and parenthood and proper equipping of parents and guardians,” Sarfo said.
Overall, the bill raised important conversations surrounding parenthood, and how well our state is doing at ensuring new parents are well equipped for their children.