Gov. Stitt Signs Bill Banning Abortion From The Point Of Fertilization

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt

OKLAHOMA CITY – 

Governor Kevin Stitt has signed HB4327 into law.

The bill bans abortion starting at fertilization.

Opponents have called the bill the most restrictive in the country.

RELATED: Lawmakers Send Post-Fertilization Abortion Ban To Governor Stitt’s Desk

House Bill 4327 defines fertilization as the “fusion of a human spermatozoon with a human ovum.”

Under the measure, anyone could sue someone in civil court who performs, aids or abets an abortion for up to $10,000.

The bill is similar to a Texas-style ban signed into Oklahoma law earlier this month, making the procedure illegal after about six weeks. Despite legal challenges, the Oklahoma Supreme Court denied a motion to halt the implementation of the six-week ban.

The most recent piece of legislation makes exceptions to save the life of a pregnant woman and rape, sexual assault or incest, only when first reported to law enforcement.

The bill also includes language attempting to prevent legal challenges to the legislation.

According to the bill, “no court of this state shall have jurisdiction to consider any action, claim, or counterclaim that seeks declaratory or injunctive relief to prevent a private individual from enforcing any provision or application of this act, or from filing a civil action under this act.”

Gov. Stitt issued the following statement in the announcement of the signing.

“I promised Oklahomans that as governor I would sign every piece of pro-life legislation that came across my desk and I am proud to keep that promise today. From the moment life begins at conception is when we have a responsibility as human beings to do everything we can to protect that baby’s life and the life of the mother. That is what I believe and that is what the majority of Oklahomans believe. If other states want to pass different laws, that is their right, but in Oklahoma we will always stand up for life.”