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Governor Stitt Signs Three Major Anti-Abortion Bills

Gov. Kevin Stitt Signs Several Bills Into Law Monday
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Gov. Kevin Stitt Signs Several Bills Into Law Monday

The Oklahoma Legislature passed a slew of anti-abortion bills so far this session, and Gov. Kevin Stitt signed three into law on Monday.

His office released a statement, which said the governor is following through on his promise to sign all anti-abortion measures that make it to his desk.

The most restrictive bill — House Bill 1102 — would revoke a medical license as punishment for performing abortions, with a minimum penalty of one year's suspension. There's an exception for an abortion that saves the pregnant person's life, including for people who doctors believe are imminently suicidal.

House Bill 2441, the so-called heartbeat bill, outlaws abortion once a heartbeat can be detected. Usually, that's around the six-week mark, before most people know they're pregnant. That bill also has an exception for life-saving abortions.

House Bill 1904 requires anyone performing an abortion, including those performed by giving someone medication, to be a board-certified OB-GYN. That would put Norman's only abortion provider, a general surgeon, out of business.

Pro-choice advocates have criticized this legislation for several reasons, including the likelihood they will spur costly lawsuits and probably be struck down, as similar measures have in the past.

StateImpact Oklahoma is a partnership of Oklahoma’s public radio stations which relies on contributions from readers and listeners to fulfill its mission of public service to Oklahoma and beyond. Donate online.

Catherine Sweeney grew up in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and attended Oklahoma State University. She has covered local, state and federal government for outlets in Oklahoma, Colorado and Washington, D.C.
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