OK
Oklahoma House Bill HB3700

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

Oklahoma House Bill HB3700

Introduced
2/7/22  

Caption

Abortion; right of action; remedy; enforcement; effective date.

Impact

This legislation significantly impacts the state's abortion laws by codifying restrictions based on the presence of a fetal heartbeat. It does not create or recognize a right to abortion before a heartbeat is detected, effectively limiting access to abortion services in Oklahoma. The implications of this bill extend to a wide range of statutory provisions that regulate abortion. Moreover, additional conditions must be met for a physician to legally perform an abortion, including detailed documentation of a medical emergency if one prevents adherence to the new regulations.

Summary

House Bill 3700 establishes new regulations surrounding abortion procedures in Oklahoma. The bill prohibits any physician from performing or inducing an abortion if a detectable fetal heartbeat is present unless certain conditions are met, including a medical emergency. Physicians are required to conduct tests for fetal heartbeat detection and maintain specific records, ensuring compliance with this law. This act aims to regulate abortions more stringently by placing the responsibility on healthcare providers to ascertain fetal viability before proceeding with the termination of a pregnancy.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding House Bill 3700. Advocates for the bill argue it protects unborn children by setting clear standards that physicians must follow for abortion. Conversely, opponents contend that such laws infringe upon women's reproductive rights and may create undue burdens. Additionally, the exclusive reliance on civil action for enforcement and the financial liabilities imposed on parties who seek to contest the law's validity draw significant criticism. The bill additionally restricts which parties can file civil actions, excluding those who impregnated the abortion patient through illegal means, further complicating the legal landscape surrounding abortion provisioning.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK SB8

Relating to abortion, including abortions after detection of an unborn child's heartbeat; authorizing a private civil right of action.

OK HB1515

Relating to abortion, including abortions after detection of an unborn child's heartbeat; authorizing a private civil right of action.

OK SB1503

Abortion; creating the Oklahoma Heartbeat Act; prohibiting performance of abortion except under certain conditions; providing for and prohibiting certain enforcement. Emergency.

OK SB1339

Abortion; fetal heartbeat; civil action

OK HB2483

Abortion; fetal heartbeat; civil action..

OK HF732

A bill for an act prohibiting and requiring certain actions relating to abortion involving the detection of a fetal heartbeat, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HSB 255.) Effective date: 07/14/2023.

OK HB295

Abortion, fetal heartbeat; prohibits abortion if fetal heartbeat detected; private cause of action authorized.

OK SSB1223

A bill for an act prohibiting and requiring certain actions relating to abortion involving the detection of a fetal heartbeat, and including effective date provisions.(See SF 579.)

OK HSB255

A bill for an act prohibiting and requiring certain actions relating to abortion involving the detection of a fetal heartbeat, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 732.)

OK SB778

Prohibits abortions following the detection of a fetal heartbeat and adds a private cause of action

Similar Bills

OK SB1503

Abortion; creating the Oklahoma Heartbeat Act; prohibiting performance of abortion except under certain conditions; providing for and prohibiting certain enforcement. Emergency.

OK HB1466

Public health and safety; definitions; health care professionals; gender transition; exceptions; statute of limitations; license revocation; state license holders; certain claims; civil actions; attorney fees; effective date.

OK HB1466

Public health and safety; definitions; health care professionals; gender transition; exceptions; statute of limitations; license revocation; state license holders; certain claims; civil actions; attorney fees; effective date.

OK HB1011

Public health and safety; defining terms; health care professionals; gender transition procedures; referrals; exceptions; public funds; Medicaid program reimbursements; felony penalties; statute of limitations; unprofessional conduct; license revocation; statute of limitations; claims or defenses; civil actions; administrative remedies; attorney fees; Attorney General; codification; effective date.

OK HB1011

Public health and safety; defining terms; health care professionals; gender transition procedures; referrals; exceptions; public funds; Medicaid program reimbursements; felony penalties; statute of limitations; unprofessional conduct; license revocation; statute of limitations; claims or defenses; civil actions; administrative remedies; attorney fees; Attorney General; codification; effective date.

OK SB1049

Health care; creating the Wrongful Life Act; prohibiting certain services on a minor; authorizing certain civil actions and damages. Effective date.

OK SB613

Health care; prohibiting gender transition procedures for children; authorizing certain civil actions and relief; licensure; adding violations and penalties. Emergency.

OK SB613

Health care; prohibiting gender transition procedures for children; authorizing certain civil actions and relief; licensure; adding violations and penalties. Emergency.