Georgia has passed one of the most restrictive abortion bills in the country, outlawing abortion in most cases after a heartbeat can be detected in the fetus by a doctor.
The heartbeat, which is generally detected after around six weeks, is the cut off currently in only two other states. In one of the states, Kentucky, the bill was blocked by the courts.
Governor Brian Kemp is expected to sign the bill, despite pushback from prominent figures, including Stacey Abrams.
Though not everyone in Georgia supports the new proposal that is expected to be signed by governor Brian Kemp, one such voice Stacey Abrams has called the bill dangerous to future of the state.
"It is dangerous," Abrams said to the Chattanooga Times Free Press. "I think it is scientifically insupportable. I know it will cause harm to women, especially to those women who face the highest rate of maternal mortality already. We know that we will lose doctors. We will lose jobs. And I believe it is purely a craven exercise designed to fulfill a political promise."
Kemp’s involvement with this bill is unsurprising as he promised, during the campaign for governor against Abrams, to “move the needle on pro-life legislation.” Abrams admitted defeat against Kemp, but said the governor used “deliberate and intentional” voter suppression to do so.
Abrams continued her criticism of Kemp during her interview.
"The current governor does not seem to have any interest in creating an atmosphere that acknowledges that half of the state has a different set of values," she said. "We all want to be successful. I think any leader has to understand, has to bring folks together. And unfortunately, under his tenure, I have not seen an attempt to do so."
Abrams does not stand alone against the bill. Actors, including Don Cheadle, Uzo Aduba, and Gabrielle Union, have called for productions to leave the state if the bill is signed by the governor.
Many in the entertainment industry, including Don Cheadle, Uzo Aduba and Gabrielle Union have called for productions to leave the state if the bill is signed by the governor.
To @BrianKempGA & Speaker Ralston:
Attached, is an open letter signed by 50 actors against #HB481. On behalf of the undersigned–as people often called to work in GA or those of us contractually bound to work in GA–we hope you'll reconsider signing this bill. #HBIsBadForBusiness
pic.twitter.com/DsOmAWYU2x— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) March 28, 2019
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