Oklahoma makes trafficking abortion pills a felony offense
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A new Oklahoma law threatens up to 10 years in prison for people convicted of supplying abortion pills for an illegal abortion.
House Bill 1168 took effect Thursday. It makes it a felony to knowingly deliver abortion-inducing medication—or possess it with the intent to deliver it—to someone who plans to use it for an unlawful abortion.
A conviction could bring a fine of up to $100,000, up to 10 years in prison or both.
The law covers mifepristone and medications such as misoprostol and methotrexate when they are intended to induce an abortion. It does not apply when the drugs are used to treat an ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage or another medical condition. Contraceptives are also excluded.
The measure targets people distributing pills to others, not pregnant women obtaining medication for themselves. Pharmacists, manufacturers and distributors acting lawfully are also exempt.
Republican Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader of Piedmont said the law is intended to stop abortion pills from being shipped into Oklahoma without medical oversight. Republican Sen. David Bullard of Durant, the Senate author, said supporters estimate it could prevent about 4,000 abortions annually.
Opponents argue the law’s wording could expose friends, relatives and out-of-state providers to prosecution for helping someone obtain medication. Democratic lawmakers also questioned how the state would enforce the law without investigating private medical decisions.
Abortion is completely banned in Oklahoma with a single exception to save the life of a pregnant person in a medical emergency.
