Oklahoma Enacts Near-Total Abortion Ban, Strictest In The Country

Oklahoma Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt signed a bill into law on Tuesday that will make performing abortions a felony, except in cases of a medical emergency.

“As governor, I represent all 4 million Oklahomans, and they overwhelmingly support protecting life in the state of Oklahoma,” Stitt said. “We want Oklahoma to be the most pro-life state in the country. We want to outlaw abortion in the state of Oklahoma.”

Senate Bill 612 will allow an abortion if the mother’s life is at risk, but will not make exceptions in cases of rape or incest.

Performing an abortion could cost the offender up to 10 years in prison and a hefty fine of up to $100,000. The mother would not be punished for having an abortion.

Stitt acknowledged that the legislation would be challenged in court and the newly passed law has already sparked outrage from pro-choice advocates.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki criticized the law.

“The Biden Administration will continue to stand with women in Oklahoma and across the country in the fight to defend their freedom to make their own choices about their futures,” she said in a statement on Tuesday.

State Rep. Jim Olsen (R) who penned the legislation recognized rape and incest as a “horrible situation,” but said that he still thinks the life that was created should still be recognized.

“The baby should not be liable for the sins of the father,” he said. “It’s still a life.”

If the law holds up in court, it will go into effect in August.