Oklahoma has some of the most restrictive abortion bans in the United States, with the procedure almost entirely outlawed there. Advocates in the state have pledged to challenge that law, but with all abortion providers in Oklahoma having shut their doors, it is already too late for some women.
Lori Brown-Loftis is among those affected by the abortion law in Oklahoma. She and her family were preparing to welcome a baby into the world, even getting the nursery started for the child's arrival. Her first daughter was also excited about the impending birth as she even started wearing a T-shirt that said "big sister."
What should have been a happy time soon for the family turned to crushing devastation when an ultrasound revealed the child Brown-Loftis was carrying had a rare genetic disorder, according to WECT News.
Brown-Loftis' fetus had a rare genetic disorder
According to Brown-Loftis, the doctor explained that this disorder is incompatible with life. She added that it was a little girl that would not be viable and that most children with this genetic disorder either die during childbirth or shortly after.
Brown-Loftis made the painful choice to have an abortion with her baby having no chance of surviving outside the womb. She was emotional when recalling the experience to CNN, saying, "That is one of the most difficult things that I've ever had to do; it was the hardest decision. Had I been forced to carry that pregnancy, knowing that I would not get to bring that child home, would have caused so much trauma."
At 23 weeks pregnant, Brown-Loftis was forced to travel out of the state of Oklahoma for the three-day, invasive procedure with significant emotional and financial cost. She revealed that the worst part was being met at the clinic by protesters, saying, "Just the assumption that I didn't want my baby, I think that was probably the hardest part."
Abortion effectively outlawed in Oklahoma
This was back in January when Oklahoma allowed abortions up to 20 weeks of pregnancy. That has all changed with the state today having one of the most far-reaching abortion bans in the country, prohibiting the procedure at the moment of fertilization with very narrow exceptions.
Abortion is now effectively outlawed in Oklahoma, with all four of the state's clinics no longer providing the service. Women seeking an abortion will now need to travel out of state, just like Brown-Loftis did if they can afford it.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, a Republican, revealed that he does not want abortion allowed in the state, saying, "I don't know how much clearer we can be. We don't believe in abortion in Oklahoma. We don't want it in our state."
The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to issue an opinion that could effectively overturn Roe v. Wade in the coming weeks. Many other states could become like Oklahoma, according to the New York Times, if that transpires.
