Oklahoma Legislature passes 6-week abortion ban|Becker1999|CC BY 2.0
Oklahoma, once a haven for women seeking an abortion, has now become the state with the most restrictive abortion ban.
Oklahoma lawmakers on Thursday passed a bill similar to the controversial Texas abortion law, in which a private citizen can take civil action against any abortion once the fetal heartbeat is detected.
What does the bill say?
According to the bill, any person can file a civil lawsuit against anyone who performs, intends, or assists with an abortion.
The bill will be effective once the Oklahoma Governor, Kevin Stitt, signs it into law.
OK’s near-total abortion ban
The Republican-led state has already passed several laws earlier this month, all leading to a near-total abortion ban where almost all abortions become illegal.
Performing any abortion after six weeks of pregnancy, other than in a medical emergency, is deemed to be illegal—with a fine of up to $100,000 and/or up to 10 years in prison for the providers.
Most women would be unaware that they are even pregnant during the six weeks.
