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It’s the latest law passed by the Oklahoma legislature this month to restrict abortion rights, and it comes amid a movement from Republican-led states to sharply scale back the procedure.
The bill would also allow private citizens to bring a civil action against anyone who performs or induces an abortion, intends to have an abortion, or knowingly aids or abets an abortion, such as paying for the procedure. Under the bill, the exemption would include at least $10,000 in statutory damages for each abortion the defendant performed or assisted in violation of the law, legal fees, and compensatory damages.
The bill prohibits filing a civil lawsuit against certain individuals, including a woman who has had an abortion or has requested the procedure. The bill also prohibits anyone carrying a woman through rape, sexual assault or incest from filing a civil lawsuit.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, a Republican, has pledged to sign every abortion-restricting legislation that reaches his office. Once signed, the law will take effect immediately. CNN has reached out to the governor’s office for comment.
Oklahoma Representative Todd Ross, who has defended the bill in the House, previously told CNN that if the near-total ban signed earlier this month is appealed to the US Supreme Court, his bill could still be in effect. Noting that the Supreme Court allowed the Texas law to go into effect.
The bill passed the Republican-majority state House on Thursday by 68 to 12. The Republican-led Senate approved the measure last month by 33 to 11.
Oklahoma is the latest state to pass legislation similar to Texas law, after Idaho last month became the first state to adopt a law similar to that of Texas. Idaho law, however, was temporarily blocked by the state Supreme Court in a lawsuit brought by abortion providers.
CNN’s Rebecca Reese contributed to this report.
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