Distribution of Abortion Pills is now a Felony in Oklahoma as per a new Law
Oklahoma City, OK: Distributing abortion drugs will now be considered a felony in Oklahoma, according to a bill that was passed Thursday by the House of Representatives. The maximum penalty for this offense could be $100,000 or 10 years in jail, or both.
To clarify, neither the usage nor the sale of birth control pills, not Plan B or the Morning After Pill, are prohibited by House Bill 3013.
The proposed legislation would make it a felony to distribute or possess with the purpose to distribute medications that induce abortion. Under current legislation, the penalty for an unlawful abortion is the same as this proposed penalty.
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Denise Crosswhite Hader (R-Piedmont) stated, “These pills are dangerous, even taken under the best of circumstances.” The trafficking of those medicines is my main concern, and that is what this bill aims to combat. It seems to me that a lousy player will attempt to take advantage of a woman when she is down and out, when she is most susceptible. The basic purpose of this bill is to outlaw their trafficking.
Legislator Cyndi Munson (D-Oklahoma City) expressed concern that women would be put in risk if abortion medications were to be restricted.
“My concern is that we’re actually creating more problems by potentially creating a black market or women or folks hiding, trying to access medication for abortion medication,” Munson added, referring to the severe limits and restrictions on abortion care.
Adding that there have been cases of women being offered abortion-inducing medications by non-medical individuals and then taking them alone without medical assistance, Crosswhite Hader stated that her purpose is to safeguard women.
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Since these drugs are inherently harmful, the lack of medical guidance about their proper usage makes them all the more deadly. The goal is to prevent an abortion, which is really just a miscarriage. Therefore, it can be fatal for those with a history of blood clots, ectopic pregnancies, or other health problems. Chemical abortion medicines already cause four times the number of hospitalizations than they should. Consider the consequences if accurate medical information is not provided for this medication, suggested Crosswhite Hader.
Oklahoma City Democrat Rep. Forrest Bennett argued against the measure and stated his belief that it would create a “hostile and unsafe environment for women” in the Sooner State.
Bennett expressed disappointment that the state of Oklahoma had not yet moved on to address issues that would strengthen families, despite passing the nation’s strongest abortion ban.
Now the measure is being considered by the Senate. If approved by the legislature, it would take effect on November 1.
