Oklahoma Outlaws Non-Medically Necessary Abortion – Opinion

Oklahoma Republican Governor Kevin Stitt signed into law an almost-total state abortion ban. The bill makes performing an abortion, except when endangerment to the mother’s life exists, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $100,000.

The bill is short and sweet:

SECTION 1. SECTION 1.NEW LAW This new section of law will be codified under the Oklahoma Statutes in Section 1-731.4 Title 63.

A.As in the next section:

1. The terms “abortion” and “unborn child” shall have the same meaning as provided by Section 1-730 of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes; and

2. “Medical emergency” means a condition which cannot be remedied by delivery of the child in which an abortion is necessary to preserve the life of a pregnant woman whose life is endangered by a physical disorder, physical illness or physical injury including a life-endangering physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself.

B. 1. Nonobstant any other law provision, an individual shall not intentionally perform or attempt abortion except to save the lives of pregnant women in medical emergencies.

2. Persons convicted of performing an or trying to perform abortion will be found guilty of a crime punishable with a maximum of One Hundred Thousand Dollars (100,000.00) or confinement at the Department of Corrections for not more than ten years or such fine and imprisonment.

3. This is not the case:

A. Authorize the prosecution or conviction of any woman for any crime in connection with the unborn death of her child.

b. To prohibit the sales, prescription or administration a contraceptive medication, drug, or chemical, if it is given before a time when pregnancy could be established through traditional medical testing, and if contraceptive drug, chemical, or measure is used in accordance to manufacturer’s instructions.

4. If a physician gives medical care to pregnant women that results in an unintentional or accidental injury to or death of the unborn baby, it is an affirmative defense.

As you can see, the Biden administration is furious at the thought of future Republicans being extinguished before turning 18.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki criticized the state law, calling it an “unconstitutional attack on women’s rights” and among the most extreme anti-abortion bills in the country.

“Make no mistake: The actions today in Oklahoma are a part of disturbing national trend attacking women’s rights and the Biden Administration will continue to stand with women in Oklahoma and across the country in the fight to defend their freedom to make their own choices about their futures,” she said in a statement.

This bill focuses abortion debate in a sharply different way. The Supreme Court could overturn Roe v. Wade, relegating abortion back to a state-level matter. Conservative states will now be more empowered to pass legislation restricting or banning abortion.

It is fundamental to support abortion. Do you think life begins at conception, or is it born? An unborn child has the same rights that every other person if life begins at conception. The Declaration of Independence declares these rights to be God-given and is codified in America’s Constitution. If life starts at birth, or whatever point is post-birth currently en vogue, an unborn child is an appendage in a woman’s body free to be discarded with no more consideration given it than the regard extended to a toenail. The latter mindset is unfathomable to a Christian mindful of Scripture (“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well”). Many other Biblical references make it clear that God knew our existence before we were even born. If an unborn child’s life is not sacred, how can any life be considered worthy of the designation?

It is also incumbent for all who believe in life’s sanctity to transform their words into action. Although protesting before the Planned Parenthood local office can be a great idea, it doesn’t solve any problem. It is compulsory to provide counseling services and support for women who are facing unplanned pregnancies. It is imperative to actively support those who are able and willing adopt. Conservatism is what we are. We live up to our word.

The Oklahoma law has been challenged in court. Here’s praying it miserably fails.