'Heartbeat Bill' Vote Could Come As Soon As Monday In Georgia

ATLANTA -- State lawmakers could pass one of the nation's strictest abortion bills on Monday, when the House of Representatives makes a final vote on the so-called "Heartbeat Bill" sponsored by a Cobb County lawmaker.

Last week, the Senate passed HB 481, called the Living Infants Fairness and Equality Act. With the full support of Gov. Brian Kemp. it would allow abortions only in cases where the mother's life or health is in danger, or in cases of medical emergency. The bill also says an unborn child at any stage of development in the womb would be included in state population-based counts.

A final version of the bill, led by state Rep. Ed Setzler (R-Acworth), could meet final House approval before the legislature adjourns next week.

The bill has drawn strong and vocal opposition from women's rights groups and Democrats, among others.

“This vote makes it abundantly clear: the GOP’s claim to support ‘pro-life values’ is merely a facade to distract us from their real motive—stripping freedom away from Georgia women,” said NARAL Pro-Choice Georgia State Director Laura Simmons. “Extreme legislators continue to neglect the growing health care crisis in Georgia, including the worst maternal mortality epidemic in the country, letting women across our state continue to die largely preventable deaths. They have made it clear by once again attacking our reproductive rights that they have no desire to actually improve the health and safety of Georgia women and families."

Full coverage from Patch:

• Georgia's 'Heartbeat Bill' Clears Another Hurdle, Heads To Senate
• Anti-Abortion 'Heartbeat' Bill Introduced By 2 Cobb Legislators
• Oconee Legislators Support Anti-Abortion Bill
• Decatur Democrat Escorted From Podium In Abortion Debate

After the Senate vote, Cole Muzio, president of Family Policy Alliance of Georgia, said "The Senate's strong vote today affirms the continuing momentum behind the scientific and self-evident reality that babies with beating hearts are living and worth protecting. The facts are thoroughly on the side of life, and the support behind this bill continues to grow in our state and even beyond our borders."

Virginia Republicans are outraged over a now-failed proposal by Democrats that would have expanded abortion rights. Del. Kathy Tran, D-Fairfax, sponsored HB 2491, which would have eliminated certain requirements before undergoing an abortion, such as approval from three physicians and an ultrasound. Republicans have also claimed embattled Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's support for a woman's right to choose an abortion is 'evidence that the Democrats would allow infanticide."

Similar bills have been filed in 2019 in Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia.

“I applaud the members who supported the heartbeat bill’s passage for protecting the vulnerable and giving a voice to those who cannot yet speak for themselves,” said Kemp, after the vote. “I look forward to working with the House to ensure this legislation’s final passage in the coming days.”