(UnitedVoice.com) – On April 5, the Oklahoma House voted to pass SB 612. The legislation will essentially make abortions illegal in the state. The vote comes as the Supreme Court deliberates whether to rescind the protections granted by Roe v. Wade.
The Republican-controlled state House voted 70-14 to pass the bill. It makes performing an abortion a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The legislation already passed the Senate and will now head to Governor Kevin Stitt’s (R) desk. According to NPR, the conservative has previously said he will sign any anti-abortion bill that hits his desk.
Oklahoma Republicans just passed a near-total ban on abortion, making abortion illegal from the moment of conception. The bill now heads to the governor's desk for signature. It's the most restrictive abortion ban in the United States.
— MeidasTouch.com (@MeidasTouch) April 5, 2022
Abortions have increased dramatically in the Sooner State since Texas passed SB8. That law allows citizens to sue anyone who “aids or abets” an illegal abortion; all abortions after doctors detect a heartbeat are prohibited under the law. Emily Wales, the interim president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes, told NPR the number of women seeking abortions in Oklahoma increased 800% after the Lone Star State passed the abortion ban.
Oklahoma’s SB 612 is a major victory for the pro-life movement. However, this probably isn’t the last we’ve heard of the bill. If Stitt signs it into law, a lengthy court battle will almost certainly ensue. But Oklahoma could eventually become a safe haven for the unborn.
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