Washington Examiner: Judge hears arguments on Oklahoma abortion drug law
“Opponents of an Oklahoma law that would restrict the use of certain abortion-inducing drugs urged a judge Thursday to declare it unconstitutional, arguing that many women seeking abortions would have no choice but to undergo invasive surgery. The New York-based Center for Reproductive Rights and the Oklahoma Coalition for Reproductive contends the law approved by the Legislature in 2011 violates the equal protection rights of patients and physicians. They argue is also is contrary to the state Constitution by delegating the Legislature’s authority to the federal government. ‘The fundamental problem here is that the act severely restricts the quality of care that can be offered to women seeking pregnancy terminations in the state of Oklahoma,’ Michelle Movahed, attorney for the center, said after the hearing. The law requires doctors to follow the strict guidelines authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and prohibits off-label uses of the drugs — such as changing a recommended dosage or prescribing it for different symptoms than the drug was initially approved for. It also requires doctors to examine the women, document certain medical conditions and schedule follow-up appointments. A temporary injunction issued in October has prevented the law from being enforced. After hearing the arguments, Judge Donald Worthington gave both sides five days to submit additional briefs and said he would issue a ruling after reading those briefs.”
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