Oklahoma Governor Inks Bill Restricting Abortion Drugs

Governor Mary Fallin has signed a bill to further restrict the use of abortion-inducing drugs in Oklahoma, despite objections from opponents who say it will force more women to have surgical abortions.

The bill signed Tuesday was written in response to a recent Oklahoma Supreme Court decision that ruled a similar bill signed by Fallin in 2011 was unconstitutional.

The measure would prohibit off-label uses of certain abortion-inducing drugs by requiring doctors to administer the drugs only in accordance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration protocol. It takes effect Nov. 1.

Abortion rights supporters say the bill will deny women newer, evidence-based regimens for medication abortion and force them to undergo surgical abortions after 49 days of pregnancy.

The bill was among 41 Fallin signed into law on Tuesday.