Legislators in Oklahoma on Almost total ban approved on Tuesday on abortion that makes it latest Republican-led state moves forward with strict abortion laws as the Supreme Court hears a case that could overturn Roe v. Wade later in this year.
The measure, Senate Bill 612, would make abortion “except in cases of life saving.” of pregnant woman in emergency medical care” is a crime punishable by up up to 10 years in prison or fine of $100,000.
The Oklahoma House of Representatives voted 70 to 14 to send the bill, which was passed by the Senate. last year to Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Republican whose office responded by noting that Mr. Stitt swore in September to sign “Each piece of legislation for the protection of life” that came to his desk.
If Mr. Stitt signs the bill, it will take effect on August 26, according to the secretary of the Senate. office.
His passage came after Oklahoma became a major destination for women from Texas who tried to have an abortion after that state passed a law banning the procedure in about six weeks, very early stage of pregnancy.
“If allowed to take effectSB 612 would be devastating for both Oklahoma and Texans who keep looking for care in Oklahoma” and coalition of abortion rights groups, including the ACLU of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Challenge for Reproductive justice, said in statement.
“About half of patients from Oklahoma currently seeing medical refugees from Texas,” the groups said. “Now the people of Oklahoma can face but future wherever they are place left in their condition go look for it basic healthcare.”
Rep. Jim Olsen, Roland Republican and House of Representatives writer of bill, said the measure was passed in expectation of expected Supreme Court decision on Mississippi law, which bans abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy.
If the court upholds this legislation, it could overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade case. decision which established the constitutional right to abortion and forbade states from banning the procedure until fetal viability, or about 23 weeks.
From Florida to Idaho, Republican-led state legislatures operating like Rowe already was struck down by the promotion of restrictions aimed at making abortion illegal in as many circumstances as possible.
“Of course I’m delighted because we have the potential of see many lives of rescued babies – part of it depends on future judgments” like in one in case of Mississippi, Dobbs v. Jackson’s Women’s Health Organization, Mr. Olsen said.
He said that the bill was passed without any floor debate.
“No one discussed and no one asked any questions,” he said. “I was really kind of shocked.”
Mallory Carroll, Press Secretary for List Susan B. Anthony, an anti-abortion group, told Oklahoma how one of “the most prolife states in country”, followed other states in passing laws restricting abortion to the extent possible.
State of abortion in United States
“This latest the passage of the bill is another sign of the ongoing pro-life momentum we’re seeing across the country as lawmakers and pro-life Americans wait decision from the Supreme Court in the Dobbs case,” said Miss Carroll.
Emily Wales, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, the bill says. one of but series of anti-abortion measures are being promoted in Oklahoma, including one this reflects Texas law, which effectively authorizes citizens to sue clinics and other institutions. who defy the law.
She said anti-abortion members of Oklahoma House approves bill as lawmakers who support abortion rights were outside State Capitol speaking on ‘bans off Oklahoma”.
Planned Parenthood, which manages two of four abortion clinics in Oklahoma, planned challenge legislation in court, Ms. Wales said.
“This ban more in line with in traditional bans which have been blocked in in past,” she said. “Therefore, we are quite sure that while Rowe remains law of earth, there path block it.”
Rebecca Tong, collaborator director of Trust Women, which runs an abortion clinic. in Oklahoma City, said that the clinic “will remain open as long as we can still be of service people of Oklahoma.”
“We will not hold back from providing compassionate medical care to our patients – many of who are our neighbors, colleagues and also family,” Ms. Tong said. in statement.
