OKLAHOMA CITY – Gov. Kevin Stitt was joined Tuesday by lawmakers for a ceremonial signing of House Bill 1102, landmark legislation to sharply reduce the number of abortions within the state.

HB1102, authored by Rep. Jim Olsen and Sen. Julie Daniels, classifies the performance of an abortion as “unprofessional conduct” and directs the State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision and the State Board of Osteopathic Examiners to revoke the licenses of physicians who perform abortions for at least one year. The bill provides an exception for abortions performed to save the life of the mother.

“We thank the Lord for the team of people that worked together to help make this happen, and we thank the Lord for answered prayers,” Olsen said. “I am so glad to serve alongside these hardworking Oklahomans who are willing to stand up and fight for the lives of our most vulnerable citizens—the unborn.”

Also present at the ceremonial signing was Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, who authored similar legislation in 2016, and Rev. Paul Abner, an ordained Oklahoma City minister who leads Oklahoma Faith Leaders and advocates for pro-life legislation.

The bill was signed by the Governor April 26 and becomes effective Nov. 1.