Gov. Kevin Stitt has signed House Bill 4327, which has been called the “toughest” abortion law in the nation.

The new law, which took effect immediately, allows a Texas-style civil liability lawsuit to be filed against anyone who performs an abortion or help in an abortion performed after the moment of fertilization.

It does not abolish abortion because it allows exceptions for rape and incest.

“I promised Oklahomans that as governor I would sign every piece of pro-life legislation that came across my desk and I am proud to keep that promise today. From the moment life begins at conception is when we have a responsibility as human beings to do everything we can to protect that baby’s life and the life of the mother. That is what I believe and that is what the majority of Oklahomans believe. If other states want to pass different laws, that is their right, but in Oklahoma we will always stand up for life.”

Stitt has signed four bills this session to restrict abortion.

As a result, the four clinics in Oklahoma – including the one in Tulsa – are no longer committing abortions.

Pro-life advocates have taken more steps since the leak of a U.S. Supreme Court draft decision which shows the Supreme Court could overturn the Roe v. Wade decision, giving states the power to set abortion regulations.

Rep. Wendi Stearman, R-Collinsville, was the House author, and Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, said HB 4327 extends the civil liability created by HB 1503 — the Oklahoma Heartbeat Act — to conception.