Oklahoma becomes the first state to ban almost all abortions

Oklahoma became the first state in the country to ban almost all abortions.

State Gov. Kevin Stitt signed legislation on Wednesday banning post-conception abortions, making it the toughest anti-abortion law in the United States to date.

The law provides for exceptions in the case of rape and incest or if the mother’s life is in danger.

Stitt has previously described himself as the “most pro-life governor” and has vowed to support every anti-abortion law in Oklahoma.

“I promised Oklahoma that as governor, I would sign every pro-life law that came on my desk, and I’m proud to keep that promise today,” he said in a statement Wednesday.

The law prohibits the abortion of “an embryo at any stage of pregnancy from fertilization to delivery.”

It does not block access to emergency contraception such as the morning-after pill, Plan B, or any other form of birth control.

Although the legislation does not criminalize abortion, it opens the door for individuals to sue anyone who assists in or performs an abortion – or intends to – for up to $10,000.

Vice President Kamala Harris slammed the law when it was passed by Oklahoma lawmakers last week.

“Half an hour ago, the Oklahoma legislature enacted one of the most extreme abortion bans in the country – a ban that would prohibit abortion from the moment of conception,” Harris said.

“Now think about it for a second, from the moment of conception. It is outrageous and just the latest in a string of extreme laws across the country.”

Oklahoma is one of several Republican-controlled states following the Supreme Court’s leaked ruling overthrowing Roe v. Wade begin to pass increasingly strict anti-abortion laws.

The ruling would overturn the federal law protecting abortion rights and allow states to set their own policies and laws.

About two-thirds to four-fifths of Americans support legal access to abortion, at least in some cases.

However, opinions differ from region to region, leading to an overthrow of Roe v. calf means would result in a patchwork of laws that would, in some cases, require women to cross state lines to access abortions – and even prosecute them in extreme cases.