As states move to restrict abortion access, neighboring states prepare for surges in demand
CNN
The flurry of new abortion restrictions across mostly Republican-led states leaves neighboring states to fill the gap in abortion care.
Republican Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Sitt signed a bill Tuesday that would make providing an abortion a felony punishable by a maximum fine of $100,000 or a 10-year prison sentence. In one of the strictest abortion restrictions to date, the law makes exceptions only for medical emergencies.
Oklahoma had become familiar with picking up after its neighbors since Texas' Senate Bill 8 was enacted, effectively outlawing abortions past six weeks of pregnancy. Now, Oklahomans may lose their own access to abortion, causing a ripple effect for residents of neighboring states who have relied heavily on the state for abortion care.