A bill proposing a near-total abortion ban causes an uproar at Georgia's Capitol

Protesters gather at the Georgia Capitol for a hearing on a bill that would ban all abortion in the state on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Charlotte Kramon)

A crowd of abortion-rights opponents and advocates flooded a windowless Georgia Capitol hallway on Wednesday with chants and signs as lawmakers held a hearing on a bill that would ban almost all abortions.

Although the bill won’t go anywhere this year because a deadline has passed for consideration by both chambers, the hearing by the House’s Republican leadership gave anti-abortion activists a chance to speak out on an issue near and dear to their constituents.

Dozens milled about and shouted words of support or disdain for the proposal. Onlookers tried to squeeze into the hearing room as sheriff’s deputies guarded the area. One man raised his voice above the noise and said, “I’m so thankful that my mom gave me life” and did not “sacrifice” her children.