Oklahoma

What's Happening in Oklahoma?

As of right now, a patient seeking abortion in Oklahoma must receive state-mandated counseling 72 hours before receiving the abortion. Health care policies for public employees and those offered under the state's exchange for the Affordable Care Act only cover abortion in cases of life endangerment, rape or incenst. Private insurances may cover abortion if an additional optional rider is purchased. Telemedicine can not be used to receive a medicated abortion. Minors must have their parent's consent before receiving an abortion, and all patients must undergo an ultrasound before they can move forward with the procedure. Abortions cannot be done after 20 weeks unless it is a case of life endangerment or severely compromised health, and abortions cannot be done for the purpose of sex selection. Oklahoma also forces abortion providers to meet unnecessary standards related to their staff, equipment and facilities. If Roe v. Wade is overturned by the Supreme Court, abortion will become illegal in Oklahoma.

In the Legislature

House Bill 1904: This bill makes it a felony for any doctor that is not specialized in gynecology and obstetrics to perform an abortion on a patient. This bill passed and was signed into law.

House Bill 2441: This bill made it illegal for a doctor to perform an abortion without first checking to see if a fetal heartbeat is detectable. If there is a fetal heartbeat, an abortion cannot be performed. This bill passed and was signed into law.

House Joint Resolution 1027: This resolution would give the right of a born person to those who are unborn in the Oklahoma constitution.

Senate Bill 1544: A public school, charter school or virtual public school cannot have any transactions with an entity that provides abortions unless that entity is a hospital that have made a commitment to only provide abortions in cases of medical emergencies.

In the Courts

Oklahoma currently has no reported court cases regarding abortion. However, the state has passed several pieces of legislation in anticipation of Roe v. Wade being overturned. Please click HERE to tell about any information you may have regarding pending court cases.