The state of Oklahoma became the first state in modern history to pass a bill (HB 4327) and get it signed into law that bans all abortions from the moment of conception. An abortion clinic in Tulsa weighed in on the news of the total abortion ban with very negative remarks — which is not surprising since they will lose so much money. That did not stop them, however, from committing to helping women find abortions in other states.
“Tulsa Womens Clinic stands with women of Oklahoma and all women seeking abortion access. We are appalled at the newest law that was passed in the state banning abortion after fertizilation. This is cruel and blatantly unconstitutional and we will continue to fight for your right to choose. At the begining of the month, Governor Stitt signed a copy cat Texas bill limiting abortion after the time of detectable fetal cardiac activity (preventing abortion after 6 weeks). This restrictive law was clearly not enough when state legislators passed this new total ban. Unfortunately, currently we cannot provide abortions but we will be here to provide sonograms and help go over your options for clinics out of state and organizations that will assist you financially.”
The Skimm also reports on the new law that was passed on May 25. This is what they had to say about the law taking effect immediately,
“On May 25, Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) signed the country’s strictest abortion bill into law. Which essentially outlaws abortion at the moment of fertilization. And allows people to sue abortion providers. The law took effect immediately. It’s putting both patients and abortion providers in difficult positions emotionally, physically, and financially.”
Even though the law bans abortion in all cases except to save the life of the woman, some women have felt disbelief according to the Skimm article, and it is reported that it was hard to let those women know they could not have an abortion in the state of Oklahoma. This is good news for the Right to Life movement, but we can not let those women go unheard. We must help them realize that they do not need to seek an abortion. Our job in the Right to Life movement is not just about overturning Roe, but it is also about helping mothers and babies. (The law also does not define treatment for miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy as an abortion.)
According to Fox News, the law is already being challenged in the Oklahoma Supreme Court which will hear the case brought against the state by Planned Parenthood, Inc. and other abortion rights advocates. This will not stop the fight for the lives of the preborn. We must continue to fight, and Oklahoma has opened the door for even more pro-life legislation that all states could and should bring in. It will only get easier to pass legislation like this when Roe is overturn, hopefully later this month.
According to Bloomberglaw, Emily Wales, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains said, “Legislators who, in overwhelming numbers, cannot become pregnant have just made lesser citizens of those who can.” What she fails to mention is that nine white males enacted the Roe ruling from the bench. Abortion was never a law of the American land; it was simply a ruling from the Supreme Court of the United States claiming that there was a right to an abortion in the United States Constitution under the Right to Privacy. That was erroneous, and hopefully the Dobbs decision will rectify that.
While Vox cites that abortificients might be under attack, the Oklahoma law does not prohibit contraceptives. The goal of the law is to stop abortions from happening, not limit contraception. There reason abortions should be an option. We need to educate people on adoption and lower the costs associated with adoptions, as well as empower women and families to parent their children. When Roe vs. Wade is overturned, many states will join Oklahoma, but until then, all we can do is hope that it is overturned soon and that we have the resources to educate the public and help women in need.
Photo by Alan Villegas on Unsplash
Darby started writing articles pertaining to the Pro-Life movement during his time at Loras College. He is currently the Duhawks for Life's Communications Director.
