Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr announced on Thursday that he is appealing a ruling that overturned the state’s six-week abortion ban. The controversial law, known as HB481, was signed by Governor Brian Kemp in 2019 but was subsequently blocked by a federal judge in 2020.
The six-week abortion ban prohibits abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected, which usually occurs around six weeks of pregnancy. Supporters of the law argue that it is necessary to protect the rights of the unborn, while opponents argue that it severely limits women’s access to abortion services.
In his appeal, Carr argued that the ruling overturning the six-week abortion ban was “improper” and that the state has a “substantial interest in protecting fetal life.” He also urged the court to consider the impact of the ruling not only on the state but on other states with similar laws.
The appeal comes as abortion rights continue to be a hot-button issue in the United States, with many conservative-leaning states passing restrictive laws in recent years. The Supreme Court is set to hear a case later this year that could potentially overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark decision that legalized abortion nationwide.
Abortion rights advocates have criticized Georgia’s six-week abortion ban, arguing that it infringes on women’s rights and puts their health at risk. They have called on lawmakers to focus on expanding access to reproductive health care rather than restricting it.
The outcome of the appeal will have far-reaching implications for women in Georgia and beyond, as it could set a precedent for how courts handle similar abortion laws in other states. It remains to be seen how the appeals court will rule on this contentious issue.
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