Oklahoma is now the forth state to ban abortion before viability based on the unproven belief that fetuses can feel pain as early as 20 weeks post conception.

Reuters reports:

 

Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin on Wednesday signed into law a measure prohibiting abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, making it the fourth state to ban such late term abortions.

 

She also signed a law preventing health insurers from covering elective abortions.

Fallin, a Republican serving her first term as the state’s chief executive, said both laws are important measures that safeguard life.

“I believe in the sanctity of human life and the responsibility of our lawmakers to protect life,” she said. “Together, these two pieces of legislation will expand protections for unborn children and ensure that Oklahomans are not forced to unknowingly or unwillingly help to pay for procedures that run contrary to their values.”

 

Oklahoma is already currently in the process of litigating other unconstitutional abortion restrictions, such as their mandatory ultrasound law, making it a state ripe for a possible legal challenge to the “fetal pain” ban should reproductive rights activists choose to mount a suit.