The Oklahoma Supreme Court on Wednesday struck down two state laws banning abortions under certain circumstances. However, abortion procedures remain illegal in most cases.
The court repealed two laws (SB 1603 and HB 4327), which required a "medical emergency" before any physician could perform an abortion. It was found that this was in conflict with the state constitution, which was determined to provide for the "inherent right of a pregnant woman to terminate a pregnancy when necessary to preserve her life."
Both pieces of legislation used civil enforcement mechanisms rather than criminal prosecutions to enforce the law and had been passed last year by large majorities in both houses and signed by Gov. Kevin Stitt. This was emphasized by Charles McCall, speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, after the court's decision.
"Oklahomans can rest assured that House Republicans will continue to protect the lives of the unborn and pursue legislation that values all life," he said. McCall added that, thanks to the efforts of Republicans in both chambers, Oklahoma is one of the most pro-life states in the nation, and the Supreme Court ruling will not change that.
Speaker Charles McCall released a statement today following this morning's ruling from the Oklahoma Supreme Court, which found Senate Bill 1503 and House Bill 4327 unconstitutional. Read more: https://t.co/j0GSpuk5W5 #okleg pic.twitter.com/I9BLxL8MRd
— OK House GOP (@OKHouseGOP) May 31, 2023
It should be noted that the Supreme Court decision does not affect Oklahoma's 1910 law, so abortion remains illegal in the state in most cases.
South Carolina also evaluates abortion law
A South Carolina judge recently temporarily blocked a state law that sought to restrict most abortions after the sixth week of pregnancy. However, following the judge's decision, the measure must now go to the Supreme Court for review.
