On Wednesday, Oklahoma’s Republican governor signed a bill into law banning nearly all abortions in the state.
The bill bans any procedures that “cause the death of an unborn child,” which it defines as a “human fetus or embryo in any stage of gestation from fertilization until birth.”
Getting the majority of the votes 70 – 14, the legislation passed by the state House Wednesday only permits abortion during medical emergencies threatening the life of the mother.
It does not allow mothers to be prosecuted for their abortion decisions but threatens abortionists with up to ten years in prison and fines up to $100,000.
“I intend to make Oklahoma the most-pro life state in the country,” Stitt announced before signing the law.
Stitt signed HB4327, the bill took effect immediately and prohibits all abortions with few exceptions.
Here’s what Governor Stitt said in a statement:
“I promised Oklahomans that as governor I would sign every piece of pro-life legislation that came across my desk and I am proud to keep that promise today. From the moment life begins at conception is when we have a responsibility as human beings to do everything we can to protect that baby’s life and the life of the mother. That is what I believe and that is what the majority of Oklahomans believe.”
The Gateway Pundit added:
The move comes in the shadow of a recent revelation that the U.S. Supreme Court may overturn the landmark Roe V. Wade case that made abortion a legal reality in the United States.
Earlier this month, a leaked document from Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito indicated that the nation’s highest court was set to overturn the landmark 1973 case that solidified abortion access in the United States.
The news broke, sending the nation into a mixed sense of concern, celebration, and confusion. Abortion supporters and opponents gathered to protest and celebrate outside the Supreme Court within hours. Tensions have continued to rise since Politico published the leaked document.
Susan B. Anthony List vice president of communications Mallory Carroll said in a press release:
“Oklahoma is one of the most pro-life states in the country and they’re eager to protect unborn children and women from the harm of abortion. This latest bill passage is yet another sign of the continued pro-life momentum we’re seeing nationwide as lawmakers and pro-life Americans await a decision from the Supreme Court in the Dobbs case.”
Sources: TheGatewayPundit, Politico