3 anti-abortion bills sent to Oklahoma governor for signature

Oklahoma state lawmakers on Tuesday voted to send three anti-abortion bills to the governor for approval.

The state’s Republican-controlled Senate passed three measures, including one that would criminalize abortions that are performed after a fetal heartbeat is detected as well as cause doctors to lose their license if they perform the procedure, according to the Associated Press.

Two other measures would require doctors performing abortions to be certified in gynecology and obstetrics and add performing abortions to a list of unprofessional conduct by doctors.

If the heartbeat law is passed, doctors who perform an abortion after a heartbeat has been detect would be found guilty of homicide, AP noted.

In most cases a fetal heart beat can be detected as early as 6 weeks through vaginal ultrasounds. Abdominal ultrasounds tend to detect heartbeats a few weeks later, the outlet reported.

Oklahoma has passed bills restricting abortions in the state in the past, with many being overturned in court. Tuesday’s bills were passed along party lines with Democrats in opposition, according to AP.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) signed an executive order last April directing medical providers to postpone all elective surgeries, including abortions in an effort conserve medical supplies for health workers on the front lines of the pandemic. 

Stitt has reportedly stated that he would sign any abortion bill that is sent to him by the state legislature.