Oklahoma lawmakers on Wednesday passed the most restrictive abortion bill in the country that would ban abortion at conception.
Conception can take place as soon as three minutes after sex or it may take up to five days (when the egg is fertilized by the sperm), according to Very Well Family.
The House passed House Bill 4327 by Rep. Wendi Stearman on a 73-16 vote on Wednesday that would make nearly all abortions prohibited under this bill. This new legislation has exemptions, including cases of saving the life of the mother, rape or incest.
The legislation now heads to the governor’s desk for his consideration and will take effect immediately if signed.
The Oklahoman:
The bill allows private citizens to sue anyone who “aids or abets” a woman seeking an abortion at any point in her pregnancy. The woman could not be sued.
Limited exceptions include abortions necessary to save a woman’s life and those performed to end pregnancies that occurred due to rape or incest so long as the woman has reported the crime to law enforcement.
Gov. Kevin Stitt likely to sign the newly passed abortion ban.
If approved, this bill would supersede a Texas-style abortion ban Stitt signed earlier this month that largely prohibits the procedure after six weeks.
Stitt, who has vowed to sign all anti-abortion bills that advance to his desk, is expected to sign HB 4327.
Oklahoma Republican Governor Kevin Stitt signed a similar bill last month, making abortion a felony into law except under certain conditions, including medical emergency.
Senate Bill 612 will have an exception for an abortion if it saves the expectant mother’s life. Doctors who perform abortions will be fined $100,000 and spend up to 10 years in prison.