Over the past year, many states in the southern United States have been implementing very strict laws that effectively prohibit abortion. Oklahoma is the latest state to do so, having recently passed the “Oklahoma Heartbeat Act.” This act prohibits all abortions once a woman has been pregnant for at least six weeks, even though most women are usually unaware of their pregnancy at this early stage. The bill is now awaiting Governor Kevin Stitt’s signature, who is likely to approve it promptly.
“We envision Oklahoma to be the most supportive state for pro-life initiatives in the nation,” Governor Stitt remarked earlier while signing a previous abortion bill. “Our goal is to eliminate abortion completely within the state of Oklahoma.”
This legislation has faced strong opposition from organizations such as Planned Parenthood and the Center for Reproductive Rights, who plan to challenge and block the bill. Alexis McGill Johnson, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, expressed concerns, stating, “If these abortion bans go unchallenged, the people of Oklahoma will lose the right to make decisions about their own bodies and futures. Without intervention, individuals could be denied access to essential healthcare in their communities and face legal repercussions for providing support to loved ones in need.”
Recent Development: Oklahoma legislators have passed a law that prohibits abortions after approximately six weeks of pregnancy. This restriction could create obstacles for women residing in or traveling to the state to navigate through increasingly stringent abortion laws in the Southern region. https://t.co/872uqNfohB
— The New York Times (@nytimes) April 28, 2022
“Rather than being a sanctuary for patients lacking access to care elsewhere, Oklahoma politicians have alienated their own constituents,” noted Emily Wales, interim President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains. “Through today’s actions, we stand in solidarity with patients who may face difficulties obtaining necessary care and urge the judiciary to uphold the constitution and protect those who require its safeguards.”
