Abortion is a medical procedure that ends a pregnancy. The legality of abortion has been litigated in the U.S. Supreme Court and other courts since the 1973 case of Roe v. Wade.
In 2022, in the case titled Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health, the Supreme Court reversed its decision in Roe v. Wade. The legality of abortion—including access to the procedure and any restrictions on it—is now determined on a state by state basis, with each state's abortion laws applying only within its borders.
In Oklahoma, the regulation of abortion has been significantly impacted by the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade and allowed states to set their own abortion laws. Following this decision, Oklahoma has enacted some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the United States. As of the knowledge cutoff in 2023, Oklahoma has a near-total ban on abortions, with exceptions only to save the life of the pregnant person or if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest that has been reported to law enforcement. The state has also passed trigger laws designed to take effect automatically upon the overturning of Roe v. Wade, further restricting access to abortion services. Providers who perform illegal abortions may face criminal penalties. It is important for individuals seeking or considering an abortion in Oklahoma to consult with an attorney to understand the current legal landscape and any potential legal risks.