Oklahoma's Republican governor signs bill banning abortions in the Sooner State

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt signed a bill into law on Tuesday effectively making it a felony to perform an abortion in the Sooner State – a move which follows an aggressive push by Republican-led states to pass pro-life legislation.

The legislation, which takes effect 90 days after the state Legislature adjourns next month, is not a complete ban on abortions and an exception is stipulated for abortions performed to save the mother’s life, the Associated Press reported.

Although abortion rights advocates have said the bill will inevitably face a legal challenge, the Supreme Court’s recent shift in favor of pro-life positions has left conservatives feeling confident.

“We want to outlaw abortion in the state of Oklahoma,” Stitt told supporters after a signing ceremony for the bill. “I promised Oklahomans that I would sign every pro-life bill that hits my desk, and that’s what we’re doing here today.”

Under the new law, anyone convicted of performing an abortion could face up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. The bill does not authorize criminal charges to be lodged against a woman for receiving an abortion.

Republican Sen. Nathan Dahm, who is now running for Congress, wrote the bill, calling it the “strongest pro-life legislation in the country right now, which effectively eliminates abortion in Oklahoma.”

Abortion rights advocates have pushed back and said that it is clear that the bill is unconstitutional. Similar laws recently approved in Arkansas and Alabama have been blocked by federal courts.