The Oklahoma Supreme Court struck down two of the state’s abortion bans and, in a 6-3 decision, affirmed the right to terminate a pregnancy in life-threatening situations. Abortion remains largely inaccessible in the state due to a ban enacted in 1910.
Doctors, the court determined, should be able to determine when it was medically necessary to perform the procedure without waiting until the patient’s life or health was in imminent danger.“Despite the court’s decisions today on SB 1603 and HB 4327, Oklahoma’s 1910 law prohibiting abortion remains in place,” Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond said in a statement. “Except for certain circumstances outlined in that statute, abortion is still unlawful in the state of Oklahoma.
Abortion rights advocates still welcomed the Wednesday ruling, while acknowledging that Oklahoma remains one of the most heavily restricted states for abortion access. “This ruling, while providing clarity in emergency situations, does not change the landscape of care significantly,” Emily Wales, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, said in a statement after the ruling. “But importantly, the court did strike down contradictory and unconstitutional laws that violate the rights of Oklahomans.”Gov. Kevin Stitt , who has staunchly opposed abortion, criticized the state Supreme Court decision as “activism.
“This court has once more over-involved itself in the state’s democratic process, and has interceded to undo legislation created by the will of the people,” Stitt said in a statement, vowing to fight ongoing efforts to claw back abortion access.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Oklahoma Supreme Court overturns two abortion bansThe Oklahoma Supreme Court on Wednesday morning struck down two state laws banning abortion, according to state news outlet The Oklahoman.
Read more »
Oklahoma high court strikes down 2 abortion bans; procedure remains illegal in most casesThe Oklahoma Supreme Court has ruled two state laws banning abortion are unconstitutional, but the procedure remains illegal in the state in most cases
Read more »
Oklahoma high court strikes down 2 abortion bans; procedure remains illegal in most casesThe Oklahoma Supreme Court has ruled two state laws banning abortion are unconstitutional, but the procedure remains illegal in the state in most cases. In a 6-3 ruling on Wednesday, the high court said the two bans are unconstitutional because they require a “medical emergency” before a doctor can perform an abortion. The court says this language conflicts with a previous ruling it issued in March. That ruling found the Oklahoma Constitution provides an “inherent right of a pregnant woman to terminate a pregnancy when necessary to preserve her life.” The laws struck down Wednesday both included a civil-enforcement mechanism that allowed citizens to sue someone who either performed or helped someone perform an abortion.
Read more »
Oklahoma high court strikes down 2 abortion bans; procedure remains illegal in most casesIn a 6-3 ruling, the high court said the two bans are unconstitutional because they require a “medical emergency” before a doctor can perform an abortion.
Read more »
Oklahoma high court strikes down 2 abortion bans; procedure remains illegal in most casesOklahoma Supreme Court rules that two state laws banning abortion are unconstitutional, but the procedure remains illegal in the state in nearly all cases except life-threatening situations.
Read more »