The Oklahoma Senate on Tuesday voted 39-6 to advance a bill (HB 3128) that would prohibit abortion care sought because a fetus has been diagnosed with Down syndrome or another genetic anomaly, the AP/Sacramento Bee reports (AP/Sacramento Bee, 4/19).
The state House already approved the measure in a 78-10 vote (Women's Health Policy Report, 2/24). However, according to the AP/Bee, the bill is expected to be sent to a conference committee to be finalized.
Under the bill, sponsored by state Sen. Greg Treat (R), a pregnant woman who obtains such an abortion or her legal guardian could file a civil lawsuit against a physician who provided the abortion care. In addition, a physician who violates the measure could be subject to criminal penalties and have his or her medical license suspended or revoked (AP/Sacramento Bee, 4/19). Further, a physician who violates the ban could face a misdemeanor charge and a fine of at least $10,000 (HB 3128, accessed 4/20).


