Oklahoma

Upon the overturn of Roe, two statutes prohibiting abortion for abortionists began to be enforced. The more stringent of the two, Okla. Stat. 63 § 1-731.4, provides penalties for abortionists of up to 10 years in prison and $100,000 fine. The law states that it “does not authorize the charging or conviction of a woman with any criminal offense in the death of her own unborn child.”

Former State Senator Joseph Silk filed the first bill to abolish abortion in Oklahoma in 2016. Silk filed subsequent abolition bills until he left the Senate in 2020. State Senator Warren Hamilton was elected in 2020, and picked up where Silk left off, filing the bill to abolish abortion in Oklahoma every year since.

The primary opposition to the abolition bill has come from National Right to Life Vice President Tony Lauinger, Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat (R), former State Senator Jason Smalley, and Senate Floor Leader Greg McCortney (R).

Senator Warren Hamilton, R-7

Senator George Burns, R-5

Dusty Deevers, R-32

The following Oklahoma state legislators have been actively involved in efforts to stop bills of abolition from moving through the legislative process in Oklahoma:

Senator Julie Daniels, R-29

Senator Jessica Garvin, R-43

Senator Greg McCortney, R13 (Senate Majority Floor Leader)

Senator Paul Rosino, R-45 (Senate Health & Human Services Committee Chairman)

Senator Greg Treat, R-47 (Senate President Pro Tem)

There are two types of legislators in this classification: those who are discovering abolitionism but have not yet come to realize the detrimental effects of incrementalism AND those who are attempting to appease constituents solely for the purpose of maintaining power. Only after careful consideration can one determine which category best fits each of these legislators. Abolitionists Rising recommends that you consult your local abolitionist organizations linked below as you consider how to approach each of these legislators.