In Oklahoma, abortion may be outlawed

In Oklahoma, a bill has been passed that, if made into law, would make virtually all abortions in the state illegal.

The exception is the termination of pregnancy for urgent medical reasons. Violators could be fined up to $100,000 and imprisoned for up to ten years.

The bill was supported by the Senate and, now, the state House of Representatives, which is dominated by Republicans. It must now be approved by Republican Governor Kevin Stitt, who has previously hinted that he supports the bill. If the governor signs the bill into law, it would go into effect as early as the summer.

In addition, Oklahoma is working on a bill that would allow individuals to sue anyone who “aids or abets” an induced abortion – a similar provision previously appeared in Texas.

By the end of June, the conservative-majority U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule on a similar law passed in Mississippi. In theory, the court could significantly limit or even repeal the historic 1973 verdict legalizing abortion in the United States.