Oklahoma Republicans Split On Abortion Ban, GOP Lawmakers Overwhelmingly Favor

Oklahoma Republicans are split on whether all abortions should be banned in the state, according to December polling. However, when it comes to how Republican lawmakers vote on bills to do just that, it's quite lopsided.

Oklahoma City public affairs group Amber Integrated asked 500 registered voters in December 2021: “If the U.S. Supreme court were to overturn Roe v. Wade, should Oklahoma ban all abortions?”

According to the poll, 55% of all respondents said ‘No’ and 31% said ‘Yes.’

Along party lines, nearly 80% of Democrats opposed a total abortion ban while only 48% of Republicans said all abortion should be outlawed.

However, Republican lawmakers overwhelmingly vote in favor of abortion bans. This legislative session, a total criminal abortion ban, Senate Bill 612, without exceptions for rape or incest, passed with 90% of Republican lawmakers voting in favor. Only two percent voted against the bill.

The measure was signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt and is set to take effect in August.

The vote tallies are similar for a civil abortion ban, House Bill 4327, currently sitting on the Governor's desk, which does provide exceptions for rape or incest.

The polling indicates 14% of Oklahoma Democrats support a total ban on abortion. Out of 27 Democrats in the state legislature, only Senator J.J. Dossett, D-Owasso, votes with Republicans on pro-life legislation.

The governor is expected to sign the civil ban currently sitting on his desk. If he does, it would take effect immediately.