This development follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, which gave states the authority to cut off funding to abortion providers. Drawing on that ruling, Gov. Stitt has taken steps to ensure state resources do not support clinics or entities involved in abortion services in any capacity.

State Medicaid Program Placed Under Review

The executive order directs the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA), the agency managing SoonerCare, to begin a thorough review of its provider network. OHCA must ensure that no organization receiving state Medicaid dollars is affiliated with offering, referring, or promoting abortion-related activities.

Specifically, the order requires OHCA to conduct a comprehensive examination of its credentialing standards. This is intended to bring all provider policies in line with the state's pro-life framework. Once the review is completed, credentials must be updated accordingly.

OHCA has been given a 120-day timeline to implement new standards that will uphold compliance. These revised standards must also create enforcement mechanisms to make sure all active and new providers meet the updated rules.

State Contracts and Grants Targeted for Review

Beyond Medicaid, the order extends to all types of state agency funding—including contracts, grants, and other financial mechanisms. Any public money, whether directly or indirectly, must not reach organizations linked to abortion services in any form.

To reinforce compliance, the executive order also includes a key reporting component. OHCA must provide a status report within 150 days that includes data on provider compliance and details on how many were affected by the new regulations.

All SoonerCare providers must now submit signed declarations specifying whether they or any of their affiliates engage in activities related to abortion. This step helps the state track compliance and ensures that providers can be held accountable under the new rules.

Officials Say Policy Mirrors Existing Practice

In remarks accompanying the order, Gov. Stitt emphasized that the state’s values should align with its funding priorities. “Oklahoma is a pro-life state,” he said, “and our policies should reflect that at every level of our government.”

He added, “We won't allow tax dollars to indirectly subsidize and flow into the abortion industry under the guise of women's health.” According to the governor, this order ensures public funds align with the state's moral framework and back health providers supporting life from conception onward.

State Senator John Haste echoed the idea that the executive order reinforces rather than changes current policies. He noted that, to OHCA’s knowledge, none of its current providers offer abortion services now, suggesting the executive order mainly works as a safeguard.

Enforcement Timeline and Policy Impact

The deadlines assigned to OHCA are meant to lead to swift changes in credentialing and enforcement. The agency will play a central role in implementing this new component of Oklahoma’s policy landscape.

The executive order arrives as part of a broader ongoing effort by state leaders to solidify Oklahoma as a jurisdiction that limits abortion access. Existing state law already protects nearly all unborn children by placing firm restrictions on the procedure.

With the U.S. Supreme Court ruling clearing the way for stricter controls on public health funding, officials like Gov. Stitt have taken the opportunity to clarify how taxpayer money will be used—or withheld—in the state.

Rules to Shape Long-Term Funding Practices

As OHCA develops and implements new credentialing guidelines, the outcome could reshape the way medical providers in Oklahoma apply for Medicaid partnerships. Entities with any links to abortion services may find themselves excluded from participation.

The review process will also give state leaders more data on how many existing providers are potentially affected. If discrepancies are found, corrections will be made to ensure full alignment with the new requirements.

Gov. Stitt’s order aims not only to signal the state's policy direction but also to enforce it at an administrative level. By making agency compliance mandatory, the governor hopes to prevent any indirect financial ties to abortion-related organizations.