Georgia’s Controversial Abortion Law Gets Court Hearing
Georgia’s House Bill 481 bans abortion when cardiac activity can be detected in the womb, which is usually around six weeks.
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A federal judge heard arguments Monday via Zoom in Georgia’s controversial abortion law, which bans abortions as early as six weeks and recognizes a fetus as a person.
The law passed the Republican-controlled state Legislature last year, but Judge Steve C. Jones temporarily blocked it from going into effect in October.
Now plaintiffs in the case, known as Sister Song v. Kemp, are seeking a permanent injunction.
Georgia’s House Bill 481 bans abortion when cardiac activity can be detected in the womb, which is usually around six weeks. It also gives full legal rights to a fetus, which could include things like tax benefits or child support.
In Zoom court Monday plaintiffs, including the ACLU of Georgia and the Center for Reproductive Rights, argued that the law is vague and unconstitutional.
One lawyer said if a fetus were recognized as a person, a doctor could legally be treating two patients instead of one.
Judge Jones said he wants to wait on a U.S. Supreme court ruling in a Louisiana abortion case, regarding hospital access requirements for doctors who perform abortions, before making his decision.
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