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Archbishop Paul Coakley

OKLAHOMA CITY (LifeSiteNews) – Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City thanked state lawmakers Wednesday for enacting a new law that has effectively halted the abortion industry in the Sooner State, calling on Oklahomans to continue “building a culture of life.”

Signed into law Wednesday by Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt, HB 4327 bans any procedure that “cause[s] the death of an unborn child” except in cases of rape, incest, or to save a mother’s life. Like the Texas Heartbeat Act, it would be enforced via civil suits brought by Oklahoma residents, punishable by at least $10,000 per abortion. 

The law took effect immediately, with Oklahoma abortion centers confirming they would suspend abortion procedures. The abortion industry’s uncharacteristic compliance with a pro-life law is largely due to the Supreme Court allowing the similar Texas law to take effect, though challenges to it are still working their way through the lower courts.

“Building a culture of life in Oklahoma that recognizes the inherent dignity of every person requires the protections afforded by pro-life legislation and a profound change of heart,” Coakley said, Catholic News Agency reports. “I encourage Oklahomans to pray for women in crisis pregnancy situations, for their families and loved ones, for families waiting to adopt, for fathers, and for the many pregnancy resource centers serving these brave parents. Thank you to Oklahoma’s legislative leaders and to Gov. Stitt for supporting pro-life measures.”

RELATED: Oklahoma governor signs Texas-style abortion ban, vows to ‘do everything we can’ to defend life

Stitt has previously signed a law making abortion a felony, without rape or incest exceptions, though that law’s fate ultimately rests with the U.S. Supreme Court’s impending ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which is cautiously expected to overturn Roe and restore the issue of abortion to the democratic process.

While other states are pursuing Texas-style laws as well as abortion bans predicated on detection of a fetal heartbeat, Oklahoma’s “all of the above” approach leaves it ideally prepared to protect as many babies from abortion as possible ahead of the Dobbs ruling’s eventual release.

READ: Virginia bishop says he will enforce Communion ban for Nancy Pelosi in his diocese

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