The Oklahoma state legislature on Thursday passed a bill that would criminalize performing abortions.
The legislation, first reported by the Associated Press, would hit those who perform abortions with a felony charge punishable by as many as three years in jail. The bill, Senate Bill 1552, was authored by Republican Sen. Nathan Dahm and passed the state Senate by a vote of 33-12 on Thursday. An earlier version of the legislation passed the state House last month.
The legislation would also prevent physicians who perform abortion from receiving or renewing licenses to practice medicine in the state and would require the State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision and the State Board of Osteopathic Examiners to revoke licenses of doctors who perform abortions.
The bill provides an exception for physicians who perform an abortion to save a mother’s life.
"Since I believe life begins at conception, it should be protected, and I believe it’s a core function of state government to defend that life from the beginning of conception," Dahm stated.
Critics argue that the bill would constitute a ban on abortion, and some have threatened to take legal action to thwart it if it becomes law.
"This total ban on abortion is a new low. When abortion is illegal, women and their health, futures, and families suffer," Amanda Allen, a lawyer at the Center for Reproductive Rights, said in a statement Thursday, according to The Hill.
Democrats and some Republicans voted against the legislation, which will now be sent to the desk of Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin, a Republican. A spokesman for the governor said that she would not comment on the legislation until after her staff has reviewed it, according to the AP.