Oklahoma Bill Expanding the Definition of ‘Unprofessional Conduct’ (SB 1209)

SB 1209 would prohibit the performance of an abortion with an intention other than to increase the probability of live birth, preserve the life or health of the child after live birth, to remove an ectopic pregnancy, or to remove a dead fetus.

The bill would expand the definition of “unprofessional conduct” to include the performance of such an abortion.

Specifically, it would be considered “unprofessional conduct” for a physician to perform an abortion with an intention other than “to increase the probability of a live birth, to preserve the life or health of the child after live birth, to remove an ectopic pregnancy, or to remove a dead unborn child who died as the result of a spontaneous miscarriage, accidental trauma, or a criminal assault on the pregnant female or her unborn child.”

The bill would allow the State Board of Osteopathic Examiners to refuse to issue or reinstate, or to suspend or revoke any license issued or reinstated by the Board upon proof that the applicant or license holder has performed such an abortion.

The bill would prohibit any physician participating the the performance of an abortion from obtaining or renewing a license to practice medicine in Oklahoma.

The State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision would revoke the license of an allopathic physician performing an abortion in Oklahoma. The State Board of Osteopathic Examiners would revoke the license of an osteopathic physician performing an abortion in Oklahoma.

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