Abortion is only permitted in Georgia until a fetal heartbeat is detectable. A fetal heartbeat can typically be detected around six weeks of gestation (how far along a pregnancy is).
What Are The Laws?
In 2019, the Georgia legislature passed the Living Infants Fairness and Equality (LIFE) Act.
This state law defines a detectable fetal heartbeat as “embryonic or fetal cardiac activity or the steady and repetitive rhythmic contraction of the heart within the gestational sac.” With this definition, abortions are not allowed past the six-week mark.
The state provides exceptions to its abortion ban in the following cases:
- Medical Emergency: An abortion is legal if a physician determines it is necessary to prevent death or a substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function for the pregnant woman.
- Rape or Incest: If the pregnancy results from rape or incest, a police report is filed, and the probable gestational age of the fetus is 20 weeks or less, abortion is allowed.
- Medical Futility: Abortion is permitted when a physician determines the fetus has a profound and irremediable congenital or chromosomal anomaly that is incompatible with life after birth.
It also provides that procedures to remove a deceased fetus or an ectopic pregnancy do not constitute an abortion.
Georgia also has The Woman’s Right to Know Act. This law states that an abortion can only be performed in Georgia after “voluntary and informed consent of the female” at least 24 hours before the abortion, except in a medical emergency.
Abortion As A Minor
In Georgia, an individual is an “unemancipated minor” until marriage or age 18 (whichever comes first). If you are under age 18 or unemancipated, your parent or guardian will be involved in your choice to have an abortion in most cases.
They may inform the doctor that they have already been told about the abortion or that they do not wish to be consulted. In any case, the abortion provider must notify a parent or guardian unless you go to court.
Before Seeking An Abortion
It’s critical that you receive an ultrasound to get essential details about your pregnancy that will unlock what options are available to you. For instance, an ultrasound can tell you how far along you are, which you need to know to find out if you’re eligible for an abortion.
Fayette PRC offers no-cost ultrasounds to qualified clients. Get no-cost pregnancy testing and see if you qualify for an ultrasound.
Make an appointment today to get started.