Performing Abortions Is Now A Criminal Offense In Oklahoma

Governor Kevin Stitt called Friday's overturning of Roe v. Wade a day of celebration. Stitt joined Oklahoma acting attorney general John O'Connor to thank lawmakers for passing laws that ban abortion in the state.

Attorney general John O’Connor signed a letter of certification Friday that officially made abortion illegal in Oklahoma. It created the strictest abortion laws in the country. 

The state's trigger law makes performing an abortion a felony offense.

Related: Explaining Oklahoma's 'Trigger Law' Following Roe v. Wade Reversal

Currently, the penalties range from two to five years in prison. However, coming up in August, the penalties become much higher. Violators could face up to a $100,000 fine and 10 years in prison. The only exception is if a mother's life is in jeopardy.

O’Connor said it is now up to law enforcement and prosecutors to uphold the new law of the land. 

“And remember, in the Oklahoma law, there is no punishment for the mother,” O’Connor said. “There is no criminal punishment. There is no civil exposure for the mother. It’s for the people who aide, abet or solicit abortions.”  

The state health department has revoked the licenses of abortion clinics.

Stitt said the law does not impact contraceptives or fertility treatments.