Oklahoma Passes Bill That Would Make Performing an Abortion A Felony – blogged by @MsJennyb

The Washington Post reports that legislators in Oklahoma approved a problematic bill Thursday (May 19), that would make it illegal for doctors to perform abortions that weren’t necessary to save the life of the mother.

The bill will head to Governor Mary Fallin, who will have five days to decide whether to sign the bill, veto it or allow it to become a law without her signature. She has chosen not to comment on the bill until she has had proper time to review it.

The legislation states, “a person who performs or induces an abortion will be guilty of a felony and punished with between one and three years in the state penitentiary.” Any doctor involved with the operation will be “prohibited from obtaining or renewing a license to practice medicine in this state.” However, the licenses will not be revoked if the procedure was deemed necessary to save the mother’s life.

With a vote of 59-to-9 last month, the bill passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Today, the state’s senate passed it with a vote of 33-to-12, the Washington Post reports.

Opposing arguments call the bill “troubling,” “reckless and dangerous,” and “blatantly unconstitutional.”

This bill as well as all abortion laws is problematic and unfair in regards to rape victims. Women should have the right to make their own decisions in regards to their body.

Fallin has until next week to make a decision on the bill. If it becomes a law, it will go into effect on November 1^st.