OKLAHOMA (Washington Insider Magazine) – Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt passed an abortion bill designed after a disputed Texas legislation on Tuesday.
The law, officially known as S.B. 1503, establishes the “Oklahoma Heartbeat Act,” which prohibits abortions when cardiac activity or a foetal heartbeat is found, which usually happens around 6 weeks — far before a woman is aware she is pregnant.
There are some exceptions, such as when the woman’s health is in danger, but not for incest or rape.
After a foetal heartbeat is found, the bill empowers any private person to sue anybody who intends to conduct an abortion, performs an abortion, or assists a woman in getting an abortion. According to ABC NEWS, these people might be compensated at least $10,000 for each abortion conducted.
A civil case, on the other hand, cannot be filed against a woman who has had an abortion. A person who impregnated a female via incest or rape would also be barred from appealing.
After Idaho’s legislation was enacted in March, Oklahoma’s law is the second mimic of Texas legislation.
Due to the bill’s emergency provision, it takes effect immediately when the governor signs it.
Stitt passed another abortion law a few weeks ago, making it illegal to conduct abortions unless the mother’s life is in danger.
This law won’t take effect until the summer, and it will almost certainly face court challenges.
Planned Parenthood and many others are attempting to have the legislation overturned in court, but the Oklahoma Supreme Court refused to do so on Tuesday.
This, according to abortion rights activists, is why Oklahoma Republicans have been pushing a slew of abortion laws in the hopes that one will stay.
S.B. 1503 has already been sued by many organizations, including the Center for Reproductive Rights, the Oklahoma Call for Reproductive Justice, and the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
The signing follows as numerous Republican-led states, including Wyoming, Kentucky, and Arizona, have passed abortion restrictions in the run-up to a Supreme Court judgment that may determine the future of Roe v. Wade.
In June, the Mississippi Court is set to rule on a 15-week restriction. If the prohibition is found to be constitutional, Roe v. Wade might be overturned or significantly weakened.