Oklahoma ‘Personhood’ Act of 2013 (HB 1029)

HB 1029 states that life begins at conception, and would give constitutional rights to fertilized eggs, embryos, and fetuses. It would ban abortion, birth control pills, IUDs, and emergency contraception. In addition, it would eliminate certain medical choices for women, including some cancer treatments and in vitro fertilization.

The bill states, “The laws of this state shall be interpreted and construed to acknowledge on behalf of the unborn child at every stage of development all the rights, privileges, and immunities available to other persons, citizens, and residents of this state.”

The bill creates an exception for any woman who indirectly harms her “unborn child” by failing to care for herself or follow a prenatal program of care.