Oklahoma has passed a near-total ban on all abortions that starts “at fertilization.” When signed by Republican Governor Kevin Stitt, it would be the most restrictive abortion ban in the U.S.

On Thursday, lawmakers gave final approval to a bill that would ban nearly all abortions and would allow private individuals to sue anyone who helps women terminate a pregnancy.

“There can be nothing higher or more critical than the defence of innocent, unborn life,” said Jim Olsen, a Republican. 

The bill, HB-4327, bans abortions from as early as six weeks. It defines unborn children as “a human fetus or embryo in any stage of gestation from fertilization until birth.” It was passed on a 73-16 vote.

The exceptions to the ban are those medically necessary to “save the life of the unborn child” or the life of the parent “in a medical emergency.”

The law also allows for abortion if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest, but only where the case has been reported to law enforcement.

The bill also allows private individuals to commence legal action against abortion providers and individuals who “aid or abet” the termination of subsequent pregnancies. This includes anyone who paid for the procedure. Those who sue could be paid up to $10,000.

Oklahoma’s decision follows the ongoing debate about women’s bodily autonomy and the reversal of the landmark abortion case, Roe v Wade.  A draft opinion of the Supreme Court leaked earlier this month, revealing the court’s conservative majority’s intent to reverse federal abortion rights and send the issue of legalisation back to the state level.

President Joe Biden asked Congress to pass legislation codifying Roe v. Wade, saying a woman’s right to have an abortion is “fundamental.”