Distributing abortion drugs a criminal offense: Oklahoma Governor signs new law

 

 

 

P.P. Cherian

Oklahoma City: Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has signed a controversial law that makes distributing drugs that help with abortion a criminal offense with severe penalties. With this, abortion restrictions in the American state of Oklahoma are stricter.

Distributing drugs such as misoprostol and methotrexate for the purpose of abortion will now be considered a felony. If convicted, the punishment can be up to 10 years in prison, a fine of $ 100,000 (about Rs 83 lakh), or both.

The law will not prevent the use of drugs to treat ectopic pregnancy and spontaneous miscarriage.

The new law will take effect within 90 days of the end of the legislative session.

Organizations including the Center for Reproductive Rights have come out in strong protest against the new law. The organization's senior counsel, Nimra Chaudhry, said that the law could result in prison for even parents who help their own daughters get an abortion. She also alleged that it is a move to scare the public and doctors.

Oklahoma already has a near-total ban on abortion (except in cases where the mother's life is in danger). Democratic Party leaders have accused the new law of being nothing more than political drama and a campaign ploy aimed at the upcoming elections.