Oklahoma Supreme Court rules 2 abortion bans unconstitutional but abortion is still illegal in most cases
abortion
are unconstitutional, but the procedure remains illegal in the state in most cases.
In a 6-3 ruling, the high court said the two bans are unconstitutional because they require a "medical emergency" before a doctor can perform an abortion. The court said this language conflicts with a previous ruling it issued in March. That ruling found the Oklahoma Constitution provides an "inherent right of a pregnant woman to terminate a pregnancy when necessary to preserve her life."
The laws struck down Wednesday both included a civil-enforcement mechanism that allowed citizens to sue someone who either performed or helped someone perform an abortion.
"Despite the court's decisions today on SB 1603 and HB 4327, Oklahoma's 1910 law prohibiting abortion remains in place," Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond said in a statement. "Except for certain circumstances outlined in that statute, abortion is still unlawful in the state of Oklahoma."
The Battle Over Abortion
Oklahoma Supreme Court rules 2 abortion bans unconstitutional
Nevada's Republican governor strengthens abortion rights protections
New South Carolina abortion law halted until state Supreme Court review
Doctor reprimanded for speaking publicly about 10-year-old's abortion
South Carolina governor signs 6-week abortion ban into law
More
First published on May 31, 2023 / 12:22 PM
2023 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Thanks for reading CBS NEWS.
Create your free account or log in
for more features.
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 4:22 pm