A new American state has adopted the Heartbeat bill, a law that prohibits abortion once a foetal heartbeat can be detected, usually around six weeks of pregnancy. The law will come into effect January 2020 (see Abortion: the “heartbeat bill” passed in Georgia).
Brian Kemp, the Governor of Georgia, signed the law “to ensure that all Georgians have the opportunity to live, grow, learn, and prosper”, adding that “Georgia is a state that values life” and that he must therefore “stand up for those who are unable to speak for themselves”.
The law will probably be challenged by its opponents in court, as in the other states before Georgia – Mississippi, Kentucky and Ohio – “but our job is to do what is right, not what is easy. We will not back down. We will always continue to fight for life”, replied the Governor.
For further reading:
- Abortion: the “Heartbeat bill” adopted by Mississippi Lawmakers
- Heartbeat bill: Kentucky’s turn to vote
Aleteia, (08/05/2019) – Georgia governor signs “Heartbeat Bill,” restricts abortions past 6 weeks