The proposed bill in Oklahoma establishes stringent regulations surrounding abortion and the use of abortion-inducing drugs. It defines essential terms such as "abortion," "abortion-inducing drug," "health care facility," and "health care provider," and prohibits the manufacture, distribution, and provision of abortion-inducing drugs, with exceptions for life-threatening conditions and ectopic pregnancies. The bill also limits civil actions against hospitals and health care providers, allowing such actions only in specific circumstances involving qui tam lawsuits, which enable private individuals to sue on behalf of the state for violations of the new regulations.
Additionally, the bill introduces a framework for qui tam actions, detailing the conditions under which these lawsuits can be initiated, the limitations on defendants, and the defenses available. It establishes penalties for violations, including a minimum monetary award of $100,000 for successful qui tam relators. The legislation also includes provisions to protect the privacy of individuals involved in abortion-related cases and restricts the disclosure of personal information. Furthermore, it outlines legal protections for individuals engaging in actions authorized by the bill, ensures Oklahoma law applies to these actions, and includes an emergency clause for immediate enactment upon passage and approval.