Oklahoma Governor Legalizes 6-Week Abortion Ban on the Heels of Leaked Roe v. Wade Draft Opinion

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt (R) signed a highly restrictive abortion bill into law yesterday, criminalizing abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. The bill has taken immediate effect, with the Oklahoma Supreme Court denying an emergency request to freeze the legislature.

CNN reported that Senate Bill 1503, dubbed the “Oklahoma Heartbeat Act,” also permits private citizens to enact civil enforcement against abortion providers, allowing them to sue providers or anyone who assists a person seeking an abortion up to $10,000. This aspect of the law is similar to one in Texas, which prohibits abortions once a fetal heartbeat can be detected.

“I want Oklahoma to be the most pro-life state in the country because I represent all four million Oklahomans who overwhelmingly want to protect the unborn,” Stitt tweeted after signing the bill.

Last month, Stitt signed a bill making it a felony to perform an abortion in Oklahoma, punishable by up to 10 years in prison; however, this measure is not set to take effect until later this summer.