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The Georgia Supreme Court has reinstated the state's six-week abortion ban, pending an appeal review. The decision on October 7 comes after a lower court had previously struck down the law. This development follows ongoing litigation over Georgia's "heartbeat law," which bans most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. The law was enacted following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022.
Earlier, Judge Robert McBurney from Fulton County's Superior Court ruled on September 30 that the state could not enforce this law, allowing abortions up to about 22 weeks of pregnancy. In his ruling, McBurney emphasized that "liberty in Georgia includes...the power of a woman to control her own body."
The state appealed McBurney's decision, and now the highest court has decided that the law remains enforceable during this appeal process.
Georgia's LIFE Act, signed by Governor Brian Kemp in 2019, prohibits abortions once fetal cardiac activity is detected but includes certain exceptions. The act faced delays due to Roe v. Wade being in effect at its time of passage.
Andrea Young from the ACLU of Georgia criticized state officials for treating women's bodies as "state-owned property" and vowed to continue fighting for women's rights using legal means.
On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America defended the legislation by stating it does not prevent doctors from providing necessary medical care during emergencies.
The Catholic Church maintains its stance against direct abortion, emphasizing the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death and urging support for mothers and children post-Dobbs decision.
Kate Scanlon reports nationally for OSV News from Washington and can be followed on X @kgscanlon.
