Georgia’s state legislature passed the controversial HB 481 ‘Heartbeat’ bill, and now Gov. Brian Kemp has made good on his promise to sign it into law.
The law does not outlaw abortion in the state and still allows women to undergo an abortion up to the 20th week of pregnancy, but does restrict doctors from performing the procedure once a fetal heartbeat is detected.
Kemp stated that the bill “is very simple but also very powerful: a declaration that all life has value, that all life matters, and that all life is worthy of protection.”
"I realize that some may challenge it in a court of law. But our job is to do what is right, not what is easy,” said Kemp. “We are called to be strong and courageous, and we will not back down. We will always continue to fight for life."
Shortly after Kemp signed the Life Act into law, U.S. Rep. Jody Hice (R) released a statement in support of the signing, saying that once a heartbeat is detected, “you have a life, and we should honor and protect life at all costs.
“With the signing of the LIFE Act today, this event is more significant than simply the enactment of a new law,” said Hice This is a crucial confirmation of the self-evident truth that all innocent lives are precious and sacred – and should be treated that way.”
But the big victory in Georgia may be short-lived, as the ACLU has vowed to file suit to block the law.
Democrats say abortion is a ‘heartbeat’ away from being abolished
The ACLU has been suing states like Georgia who have passed, or whose legislation is considering similar “Heartbeat’ legislation.
Actress Alyssa Milano, who has been fervently opposed to Georgia’s Life Act, has called on the Hollywood community to pull out of Georgia, if the bill is signed into law.
Georgia’s movie industry has been booming of late, and this law could threaten its existence.
Florida recently failed to pass their version of a ‘Heartbeat’ bill.
