A state legislature has delivered a sweeping victory to one of America’s most conservative governors today.
The Republican-dominated Oklahoma Legislature passed HB 4327. The bill bans almost all abortions starting at fertilization. Exceptions include cases of rape, incest or to save the mother’s life. The bill now heads to Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt’s desk, where all indications are he will sign it.
Oklahoma lawmakers have clarified that the morning-after pill and other birth control methods, such as IUDs, will remain legal. They added that in vitro fertilization hasn’t been outlawed either.
Like Texas’ “heartbeat bill,” the bill incentivizes citizens to report abortion providers and anyone else who “aids and abets” an illegal abortion.
As U.S. News & World Report reports:
Two weeks ago, just after the leaked Supreme Court draft opinion shook the nation, Stitt signed another Texas-style abortion ban into place, banning the procedure after six weeks of pregnancy. That ban also followed a near-total abortion ban Stitt signed into law last month, posing a felony charge for providers who perform abortions, which is slated to take effect this summer. The state additionally has a trigger ban that would eliminate access to the procedure if Roe v. Wade is overturned, as well as a pre-Roe abortion ban on the books that would likewise limit the procedure.
“We want to make all abortions illegal in the state of Oklahoma,” Stitt said at a bill signing event in April. “This needs to be a state issue.”
Proponents of abortion access have warned for months that Oklahoma is becoming the next battleground over the issue. As Texas’ northern neighbor, Oklahoma has, since the Texas abortion ban took effect, been inundated with patients seeking abortions out of state. According to a recent study from the University of Texas at Austin, Oklahoma has provided around 45% of all abortions for Texas patients who have traveled out of state to evade the new restrictions. Stitt said last month that he hopes legislation will “curb” that trend.
If Gov. Stitt signs the bill, it will go into effect immediately. Observers expect abortion providers to file a challenge in state court should the governor sign it.
Patrick Houck is an avid political enthusiast based out of the Washington, D.C., metro area. His expertise is in campaigns and the use of targeted messaging to persuade voters. When not combing through the latest news, you can find him enjoying the company of family and friends or pursuing his love of photography.
I personally feel that woman’s right to choose is her own private decision – but given all their nefarious undermining of the 2020 election – AND – corruption in office – Dems deserve to lose on all fronts. The bitter memories of Democratic extralegal overreach, plus their national and international mismanagement, will linger long after the Democrat party is extinguished.
This is precisely why the pro abortionists are upset about overturning R v W. The decision will be up to state elected officials. That’s how it should be.
……and the best part? There isn’t jack s^*t biden or pelosi or schumer can do about it.
Every state in the union should sign a bill just like Oklahoma. Abortion is NOT a means of birth control. Have so.e moralsand keep your legs closed if you don’t want to use proper proyection
Totally agree! Lazy, irresponsible and immoral individuals use this as birth control!! Shame!!!
I like it and agree with it totally.