Oklahoma judge again scraps medical abortion restrictions

OKLAHOMA CITY—An Oklahoma judge has again overturned a state law restricting women’s access to drug-induced abortions, according to attorneys for the state and for the groups challenging the law.

Oklahoma County District Judge Patricia Parrish on Friday overturned a 2014 state law that banned “off-label” use of medication used for abortions.

“(The) ruling elevates science over politics and ensures Oklahoma women can get the care they need when they have made the decision to end a pregnancy,” said attorney Autumn Katz with the New Yorkbased Center for Reproductive Rights, which filed the lawsuit on behalf of two nonprofit organizations, the Oklahoma Coalition for Reproductive Justice and Nova Health Systems, which operates Reproductive Services.

Parrish had earlier ruled the law was unconstitutional on the grounds that it was special legislation and the state appealed. The state Supreme Court in 2016 overturned that ruling and sent the case back to Parrish, but said the law still could be unconstitutional on other grounds.

Katz said Parrish’s latest ruling, which was not immediately published, noted that the Federal Drug Administration has updated the label for the drug mifepristone, sometimes called RU-486, to include it for use in medical abortions.

Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter and the governor’s office issued statements saying they are disappointed by the judge’s decision.

The law “prevents abortion providers in Oklahoma from using abortion methods that are so dangerous even Planned Parenthood has discontinued the methods,” Hunter, a Republican, said. “We intend to appeal this ruling to the Oklahoma Supreme Court.”

Michael McNutt, a spokesman for Republican Gov. Mary Fallin, also said the drugs pose a potential danger.

“This law would protect women’s health and possibly save lives. We are confident the attorney general’s office will competently challenge (the) ruling,” McNutt said.