TULSA, Okla. — Update: Governor Stitt has signed a bill banning abortion from moment of conception into law Wednesday evening.
Governor Kevin Stitt released the following statement after signing HB4327 into law:
“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. If other states want to pass different laws, that is their right, but in Oklahoma we will always stand up for life.”
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Oklahoma is adding its name to the list of states creating stricter laws against abortions.
House Bill 4327 bans abortion at the state of fertilization. It prohibits almost all abortions except those of medical emergencies like saving the life of a mother, or if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest, reported to law enforcement.
It's the latest in a series of abortion bills to be sent to Gov. Kevin Stitt's desk, including one he signed earlier this month banning abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.
Now, House Bill 4327 is on its way to Governor Kevin Stitt's desk to sign. Those in support were clear in making it known during the legislative session.
“There is no higher principle than the protection of innocent life," House Rep. Jim Olsen (R).
If passed, the bill gives private citizens authority to bring lawsuits against anyone who aids or abets an abortion. The person filing the lawsuit could get up to $10,000 in damages if the case is successful. It also means it could bypass court challenges.
“For the vast, vast majority of us, we make choice long before we get pregnant, because you’re choosing that action to get pregnant, but how you got to that place was a choice," House Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader (R) for District 41 said.
However, lawmakers on the other side of the aisle challenged the author for the language in the bill, arguing the choice is not always the women.
"It is in the bill because if a young girl is raped by her uncle, she’s likely not going to go to law enforcement. It’s highly unlikely that that is going to happen. She’s not allowed or able to seek an abortion under your bill from what I understand and you’re okay with that?" House Rep. Cyndi Munson (D) for District 85 asked.
"I am okay with that, and it is also possible that the child could go on and live a life and be adopted or not, but the child would have a chance at life," Stearman replied.
Rep. Stearman who authored the bill said her objective is to reduce the number of abortions in the state, but lawmakers opposing the bill suggested considering other methods to accomplish that goal.
"Have you looked at any other paths? That may be not Texas but have you looked at any other paths? That may be not Texas, but maybe Colorado who not only accomplished the objective but has also done so in a way that is less damaging and less controversial, and less punishing to women and is still more successful than Texas," House Rep. Meloyde Blancett (D) for District 78 said.
The bill passed with a 73-16 vote.
Governor Stitt has said he will sign any bill that restricts abortion and this one would take effect immediately. As for legal challenges, the author said she drafted it after the Texas Law because it's been successful there.
Center for Reproductive Rights President and CEO Nancy Northup released the following statement after the HB 4327's passage:
“Politicians in Oklahoma have been working towards this moment for decades. Multiple generations of Oklahomans have relied on abortion access to shape their lives and futures. They have never known a world without that right. But under this bill, people will be forced to travel hundreds of miles for an abortion, and those who cannot afford to travel will be forced to give birth against their will or attempt to end their pregnancies on their own. This is the cruel reality that politicians are creating for their own residents.
We will be fighting this ban in state court. Abortion access is a human right and should not depend on where you live.”
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