One group, called Free the States, goes even further by demanding Oklahoma include abortion as murder and passing legislation saying it will not abide by court orders to the contrary.

Olsen’s bill does not go that far, but he and others indicated they are headed in that direction.

“We are told the (U.S.) Supreme Court is the supreme law of the land, that we cannot protest its decision,” Olsen said in debate. “There is a court even higher than the Supreme Court. There is the court of God. Abortion is a violation of the law of God.”

Nationally, the so-called abolition movement is urging state abortion bans under the theory that, as with marijuana, federal law will be rendered moot if ignored by the states.

Supporters said HB 1182 passes constitutional muster because courts have ruled states have the right to regulate medical licensure, but that point was hardly mentioned during the two hours the bill was debated and discussed.

The importance of abortion was voiced by Rep. J.J. Humphrey, R-Lane, who said, “This is the core issue of not only this state but the United States. ... Sanctity of life is foremost.”