Editor's Note: Post updated at 1:15 p.m. to reflect Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt's comments.
The Supreme Court has rejected Oklahoma's bid to revive a state law that the Oklahoma Supreme Court said would effectively ban all drug-induced abortions.
Oklahoma's Republican Attorney General Scott Pruitt is criticizing the Oklahoma Supreme Court for its interpretation.
The justices did not comment Monday in dismissing the state's appeal of the Oklahoma high court ruling that struck down the law last year.
Monday's action follows an unusual request by the justices for a clarification about whether the law that was passed in 2011 applied to three specific drugs that can cause abortions — including mifepristone, more commonly known as RU-486. Last week the Oklahoma court answered yes.
In a statement Monday, Pruitt chastised the Oklahoma court's "broad and erroneous interpretation" of the Oklahoma law. He says the interpretation left the U.S. Supreme Court little choice but to dismiss the case.
Anti-abortion activists say they plan to continue pushing more abortion restrictions in the Republican-controlled Oklahoma Legislature.
Oklahoma is among five states — the others are Arizona, North Dakota, Ohio and Texas — that have sought to restrict medical abortions by limiting or banning off-label uses of drugs.
_________________________________
KGOU is a community-supported news organization and relies on contributions from readers and listeners to fulfill its mission of public service to Oklahoma and beyond. Donate online, or by contacting our Membership department.
