Chalk up yet another abortion restriction in Oklahoma, as the state begins the process to ban abortion at 20 weeks based on the so-called “fetal pain” concept. 

Via Tulsa World:

A Senate panel on Monday passed a measure banning abortions after 20 weeks unless it is to save the life of the mother or prevent her from losing significant bodily function.

Dubbed the “Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act,” House Bill 1888 by Reps. Pam Peterson, R-Tulsa, and Clark Jolley, R-Edmond, heads to the full Senate.

It passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee by a vote of 6-1.

Jolley said an unborn child can feel pain at 20 weeks.

The measure does not provide an exemption in situations where the unborn child will not survive once it is born because of a medical problem.

“They will have zero chance of survival if they abort,” Jolley said.

Jolley said parents will need to make a decision prior to 20 weeks.

“They may not be viable, but they can feel pain,” Jolley said of an unborn child.

Sen. Jim Wilson, D-Tahlequah, cast the lone no vote. He said most abortions in Oklahoma aren’t done after 16 weeks.

One reason that Oklahoma, which has been one of the most restrictive states in the country when it comes to abortions, may have waited so long to even introduce the ban?  Maybe with so many other court cases still in play, they thought a little longer before introducing another unconstitutional anti-abortion bill.