Pro-abortion activists are furiously preparing to fight an Oklahoma bill headed for Republican Gov. Mary Fallin’s desk that would strip abortionists of medical licenses.
The nationally unprecedented bill would disqualify anyone who performs an abortion from obtaining or renewing a medical license, unless the abortion was performed to save the life of the mother. The Oklahoma House and Senate are working out the details, but a version of the bill is expected to reach Fallin’s desk soon, prompting pro-abortion activists to prepare a legal challenge. (RELATED: Oklahoma Gov. Takes On Planned Parenthood)
“Any law that bans abortion, which this law would do, is unconstitutional,” Amanda Allen, senior state legislative council for the New York-based Center for Reproductive Rights, told the Associated Press. The group has challenged a slew of new state abortion laws in recent years.
The Oklahoma State Medical Association has staked out a position against the measure, also calling it an unconstitutional effort to effectively ban abortions in the state. “It really places a chilling effect on physicians’ practice in Oklahoma,” Wes Glinsman, the group’s legislative and political affairs director, told the AP.
The law would put performing an abortion on a list of disqualifying activities for doctors, along with other activities, such as committing a felony, habitual use of certain drugs and aiding or abetting a criminal operation.
“I think this is one of the core functions of government,” Oklahoma Republican state Sen. Nathan Dahm told reporters in April. “All people have the inherent right to life.”
Fallin has not said whether she will sign the bill.
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