Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has signed a bill into law that bans nearly all abortions in the state except in cases where a mother’s life is at risk.
According to The Christian Post, Republican Gov. Stitt signed Senate Bill 612 into law this week, saying he hopes his state becomes “the most pro-life state in the country.”
Those who violate the law could face fines as high as $100,000 and up to 10 years in prison. A woman who seeks or obtains an illegal abortion, however, cannot be prosecuted under the law since it does not allow women to be charged or convicted in the “death of her unborn child.”
Further, the law does not ban the use or sale of prescription contraceptives as long as the products are sold before the woman becomes pregnant.
The bill passed in the state’s House of Representatives last week in a 70-14 vote in favor of the bill. More than a year ago, the bill passed in the state Senate in a 38-49 vote.
“As governor, I represent all 4 million Oklahomans,” Stitt said at the signing ceremony. “They overwhelmingly support protecting life in the state of Oklahoma. We want Oklahoma to be the most pro-life state in the country. We want to outlaw abortion in the state of Oklahoma.”
Stitt also tweeted about the signing.
“The most important thing is to take a stand for the unborn and protect life. Every life is precious. As a father of six, that’s what I believe, and I know that’s what Oklahomans believe,” he tweeted.
The most important thing is to take a stand for the unborn and protect life.
— Governor Kevin Stitt (@GovStitt) April 12, 2022
Every life is precious.
As a father of six, that’s what I believe and I know that’s what Oklahomans believe. pic.twitter.com/VjmUz5QdOD
Stitt said he knows the law will likely be challenged, and in a statement, the ACLU of Oklahoma Executive Director Tanya Cox-Toure said the law was a “threat.”
“The only person who should have the power to decide whether you need an abortion is you — no matter where you live or how much money you make.
“What politicians have done today is create a state where anybody who can become pregnant is forced to carry out a pregnancy against their will. We must continue to fight in the courts, in our state legislatures, in the streets, and at the ballot box to guarantee all people have access to the health care they need.”
Related:
Colorado Gov. Signs Bill Declaring the Unborn Child 'Does Not Have Independent' Rights
New California Bill Would Legalize Infanticide by Permitting 'Perinatal Death,' Pro-Lifers Say
California Bill Earmarks Funds for Out of State Women Seeking Abortions in the Golden State
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Sofiia Petrova
Amanda Casanova is a writer living in Dallas, Texas. She has covered news for ChristianHeadlines.com since 2014. She has also contributed to The Houston Chronicle, U.S. News and World Report and IBelieve.com. She blogs at The Migraine Runner.
