Oklahoma legislators have sent SB 612 to Gov. Kevin Stitt, who is practically guaranteed to sign it into law. The bill makes the act of performing or attempting to perform an abortion a felony with a fine of up to $100,000 and up to 10 years in jail, which, if signed, would make it by far the most restrictive abortion bill in the United States. It only permits exceptions in cases where the life of the mother is at risk due to pregnancy.
Reproductive groups have mobilized against the passage, which came as a surprise due to the bill being dormant for over a year. These groups believe the bill is unconstitutional under Roe v. Wade, however, the current Supreme Court and its 6-3 conservative bloc have the potential to rule in either direction by overturning Roe v. Wade itself.
This bill could also be dependent on the result of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which is expected to be decided at the end of the current SCOTUS term.