Oklahoma governor signs bill to make nearly all abortions illegal

The governor of Oklahoma, Kevin Stitt, signed a bill into law on Tuesday that makes it a felony to perform an abortion, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, as part of an aggressive push in Republican-led states across the country to scale back abortion rights.

The bill, which takes effect 90 days after the state legislature adjourns next month, makes an exception only for an abortion performed to save the life of the mother.

Abortion rights advocates say the bill is likely to face a legal challenge.

Its passage comes as the conservative US supreme court considers ratcheting back abortion rights that have been in place for nearly 50 years.

Under the Oklahoma bill, anyone convicted of performing an abortion would face up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. It does not authorize criminal charges against a woman for receiving an abortion.

Abortion rights advocates say the bill is clearly unconstitutional.

Several states, including Oklahoma, are pursuing similar legislation this year.