Oklahoma Lawmakers Pass Near Complete Abortion Ban

News -- April 5, 2022: The Oklahoma state House on Tuesday voted 78-19 to pass a near complete ban on abortions.
The legislation, known as House Bill 4327, bars a physician from performing or inducing an abortion at any point in the

pregnancy unless it is “to save the life” of the pregnant person. Similar to Texas’ six-week abortion ban, the new legislation would allow private citizens to pursue civil actions of up to $10,000 against anyone who performs or “aids and abets in the provision of such an abortion.” along with a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison or a fine of $100,000.

Lawmakers added an emergency clause for timing so that if the bill is signed into law, it would take effect immediately.

This bill would be far more restrictive than recent anti-abortion laws passed in Texas and Georgia. 

Republican Kevine Stott is expected to sign the bill.

Wnctimes by Marjorie Farrington