Senate Bill 612, which was approved by the state Senate last year and the House of Representatives earlier this month, criminalizes abortion or attempted fines of up to $ 100,000 or up to 10 years in prison, or both. The law does not provide for exceptions in cases of rape and incest. According to the measure, the woman will not be charged or convicted for the death of her “unborn child”. The law does not prohibit the use, sale, prescription or administration of contraceptives. The governor’s signature included members of the Oklahoma Legislature, religious leaders from across the state, and representatives of abortion advocacy groups. “I know this bill will be challenged immediately by liberal activists from the coast, who always seem to want to come and dictate, order and challenge our way of life here in Oklahoma. The most important thing is to take a stand. “And protect the unborn and protect life in the state of Oklahoma.” Oklahoma Republican Rep. Jim Olsen, lead author of House SB 612, previously told CNN that he believes “rape and incest is a horrific crime” and that although the baby has been arrested in a “terrible condition” he still has a right to life. ” “The baby should not be responsible for the father’s sins,” he said. “It’s another life.” White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki condemned the law, calling it “one of the most extreme state laws ever signed.” In a statement Tuesday, Psaki also urged Congress to pass the Women’s Health Protection Act, which would codify Roy vs. Wade after legislation failed to overcome the Senate hurdles in February, with the Republican West Virginia Joe Manchin joins Republicans to block passage. “Make no mistake: the actions in Oklahoma today are part of a worrying national trend that is attacking women’s rights, and the Biden administration will continue to stand with women in Oklahoma and across the country in the fight to defend their freedom to make their own choices. future “, he said. Stitt’s signing of the law made Oklahoma the last Republican-led state to approve new restrictions on abortion access in recent weeks. Last month, Arizona Republican Gov. Doug Ducey signed into law a law banning more abortions in the state after 15 weeks, similar to Mississippi before the U.S. Supreme Court and the Southern Democratic Gov. In Idaho, the state Supreme Court has temporarily blocked legislation recently signed by Republican Gov. Brad Little, which was drafted in accordance with the law. from about six weeks. Idaho had become the first state to follow Texas’ controversial statute that allows individuals to enforce restrictions with lawsuits. The bill was rejected by abortion rights advocates throughout the legislative process, including the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, which said last week that the bill would be “catastrophic” for Oklahomaans and Texans alike. , which make up almost half of all patients seeking abortion. care in Oklahoma. “We will fight back against these harsh bans in court because people do not have to secretly cross government lines to access the care that should be available in their communities,” said Emily Wales, interim president and CEO. Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes. in a statement issued after signing. The Oklahoma State Senate is also considering legislation, Bill 4327, which is based on the controversial Texas law. This bill would prohibit most abortions anywhere in pregnancy and would allow individuals to enforce the law through civil disputes. This title and story have been updated with additional developments on Tuesday. CNN’s Amy Simonson and Shania Shelton contributed to this report.
