The Heartbeat Law in Georgia has seen a lot of change in the last four years. One thing that remains the same is the care women receive at no charge at the Pregnancy Care Center of Rincon.
Contact us today for no-cost early pregnancy services. Keep reading to learn more about Georgia’s abortion laws.
What Is the Heartbeat Law?
A fetal heartbeat begins around the 5th or 6th week after the first day of a woman’s last period. Georgia’s law makes abortion illegal if a heartbeat is detected.
What Is The History of This Law?
The Heartbeat Law (HB 481) was first passed in Georgia on May 7, 2019. Since Roe v. Wade still prohibited the restrictions that states could place on abortion, the law was stopped by the courts.
On June 24, 2022, the United States Supreme Court ruled on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. Their decision allowed states to make their own legislation concerning abortion.
A few weeks later, on July 20, 2022, the Supreme Court of Georgia determined that the 2019 Heartbeat Law could take effect. Abortions in Georgia were prohibited after a heartbeat could be detected.
In October of 2022, a group of abortion providers sued the state over the bill. Superior Court Judge, Robert McBurney, overturned the Heartbeat Law that next month.
Just this fall, on October 24, 2023, the Georgia Supreme Court decided that the Heartbeat Law is valid and can be reinstated. However, this is not the final ruling. The Supreme Court ruled that a lower court would need to determine if the law violates inherent rights in the state constitution.
Where Does The Law Stand as of December of 2023?
At this moment, the Heartbeat Law is in full effect. Women cannot get abortions in the state of Georgia after a fetal heartbeat can be found.
What Should Be Your Next Step?
If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, the Pregnancy Care Center of Rincon is the first step for you and can help.
We can provide a no-cost pregnancy test and ultrasound, plus all of the information you will need to make the best decision for you. Contact us today!