Bill to suspend the medical licenses of doctors who commit abortions heads to Governor’s desk

UPDATE: Oklahoma governor vetoes bill that would have suspended medical licenses of abortionists

Oklahoma lawmakers passed legislation Thursday that would suspend the medical licenses of doctors who commit abortions. The bill, which is the first of its kind in the nation, passed the state legislature on a 33-12 vote.

Sponsored by Republican Sen. Nathan Dahm, the bill would prohibit state officials from renewing or granting medical licenses to physicians who perform abortions.

“Since I believe life begins at conception, it should be protected, and I believe it’s a core function of state government to defend that life from the beginning of conception,” Dahm said.

The bill, which describes abortion as “unprofessional conduct,” would effectively outlaw abortion in the state. Rep. David Brumbaugh, who sponsored the House version of the bill, said it is aimed at restoring the protection of preborn human life.

“It’s not about policy,” Brumbaugh said. “It’s not about politics. It’s about principle.”

The bill heads to Gov. Mary Fallin’s desk for her signature.