This week Governor Kevin Stitt is expected to sign the measure that would take effect this summer if not blocked by courts.


The measure approved by Oklahoma lawmakers states, “a person shall not purposely perform or attempt to perform an abortion except to save the life of a pregnant woman in a medical emergency.”

The lawmakers passed a bill that would make it illegal to perform an abortion in the state except in medical emergencies, penalizing those who do with up to $100,000 in fines and 10 years in prison.

The Republican-controlled state House of Representatives brought the bill to a vote last week, after it was passed last year by the Midwestern state’s Senate. This week heads to the desk of Republican Governor Kevin Stitt for signing.

Mr. Stitt has signaled his support for anti-abortion legislation.

The Associated Press quoted Mr. Stitt as saying: we want to be the most pro-life state in the country, and I want to be the most pro-life governor.

The measure passed by the Oklahoma House last week is one of several counter-abortion bills making its way through the state’s legislature.

Separate legislation introduced this year proposes banning almost all abortions and relying on private citizens to sue any person who “aids or abets” abortions, similar to Texas’ six-week abortion ban. That bill contains an emergency clause, which would allow it to take effect immediately once it is passed and signed by the governor.