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A bill that would make trafficking abortion-inducing drugs a felony has advanced through the Oklahoma Senate Health and Human Services Committee. On Monday, Senator David Bullard, R-Durant, successfully pushed House Bill 1168, which aims to crack down on the distribution of abortion pills such as mifepristone and misoprostol. The bill proposes penalties of up to 10 years in prison, fines up to $100,000, or both for those convicted of trafficking these drugs.
According to Senator Bullard, the legislation is designed to protect unborn lives and address the potential health risks associated with abortion-inducing drugs. "The sole purpose of the RU-486 drug cocktail is to murder innocent children," Bullard stated. He emphasized the need to prevent these drugs from being shipped across Oklahoma.
Abortion is already illegal in Oklahoma, except to save the life of the mother. The bill, however, does not apply to drugs used for purposes other than abortions, nor does it prohibit the sale of contraceptives. It specifically targets the delivery of abortion-inducing drugs, including through major carriers.
The measure has faced opposition from some lawmakers. Senator Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, expressed concern over creating new felonies for substances that provide valid medical relief. She criticized the state's approach, particularly when women face severe health conditions before receiving medical intervention.
The bill passed the committee with a 7-3 vote and is now eligible for consideration on the Senate floor. Representative Denise Crosswhite Hader, R-Piedmont, is the principal author of the bill in the House.