If you’re a resident of Georgia, you may have recently asked yourself this question. Understanding where Gerogia lawmakers have landed on the abortion issue is especially important for young women.
Here’s a quick overview of what’s legal and what’s not regarding Georgia’s current abortion laws.
What’s Changed Since the Removal of Roe?
Since The Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade, states have been given the task of reviewing and implementing their own abortion laws and legislature.
In 2019, Georgia lawmakers passed House Bill 481, known as the Heartbeat Bill. The Heartbeat Bill effectively banned elective abortions after 6 weeks gestation, when a fetal heartbeat can be detected by a sonogram doppler.
With the reversal of Roe, the Heartbeat Bill is now the new standard for abortions in Georgia. Elective abortions after 6 weeks gestation are now illegal.
What Type of Abortions Are Still Legal?
The Heartbeat Bill still provides protection for instances of rape, incest, the life of the mother, and fetal incompatibility. Abortions falling into one of these categories can legally be performed up until 22 weeks of pregnancy.
For women wishing to invoke the charge of rape or incest, a formal police report must be sited before the abortion is requested.
A Path Forward
Feeling trapped in a pregnancy you didn’t plan for can seem overwhelming. At Fayette Pregnancy Resource Center, our peer counselors provide compassionate and confidential care for your unique situation.
Our Services
While our center does not perform abortions, we do offer screening services at no cost to you. A medical grade pregnancy test will confirm you are still pregnant and begin the process of checking for viability.
Viability is simply confirming your fetus is still growing. The Mayo Clinic estimates that 10-20% of all pregnacies will end in natural miscarriage. So, your pregnancy may have already ended on its own.
In some pregnancies, the fetus will begin to grow outside of the uterus, known as an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies can cause life threatening complications to the expectant mother if not detected.
At our center, you can receive a free, limited ultrasound to be assured of the location and gestational age of your pregnancy. Knowing these details is critical to providing you the best care for whatever decision you land on for your pregnancy and future. We’re here for you. Text us at 770-892-6105 to schedule your appointment today.