Georgia's 'Heartbeat Bill' Gets First Court Hearing On Monday

ATLANTA — The latest battle over Georgia's newly passed abortion law opens Monday, when U.S. District Judge Steve Jones will hear arguments from the bill's opponents. The American Civil Liberties Union and other groups are urging the court to prevent the so-called "Heartbeat Bill" from taking effect January 1, 2020.

Fulfilling a campaign commitment, Gov. Brian Kemp signed the bill into law earlier this year. The bill outlaws most abortions after about six weeks, which is when a fetal heartbeat is usually first detected.

The bill, which was sponsored by state Rep. Ed Setzler (R-Acworth), would allow abortions in cases where the mother's life or health is in danger, or in cases of medical emergency. The bill also says that even an unborn child at any stage of development in the womb would be included in state population-based counts.

Georgia is the fourth state to pass such a measure, joining Kentucky, Mississippi and Ohio. More than 250 bills restricting abortions have been filed in 41 states this year, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a reproductive rights research and advocacy group.

Read more: 'Heartbeat Bills' Give Lawmakers Pause On Anti-Abortion Tactics

House Bill 481 was by far the most controversial law passed by the most recent General Assembly session. The bill drew strong and vocal opposition from women's rights groups and Democrats, as well as supporters.

The General Assembly approved the bill with less than two days remaining in the session, and only hours after dozens of actors and Hollywood celebrities threatened to boycott Georgia if the measure becomes law.

Complete Patch coverage:

• Clint Eastwood Starts Filming New Movie This Summer In Atlanta
• Ron Howard, Brian Glazer To Boycott GA If Abortion Bill Stands
• Alyssa Milano: Don't Have Sex Until GA's Abortion Law Is Dumped
• One Of Nation's Toughest Abortion Bills Signed Into Law In GA
• Hollywood Threatens Boycott As GA Heartbeat Bill Is Approved
• Cobb Lawmakers Targeted For Opposing Heartbeat Bill
• Cobb-Led 'Heartbeat Bill' Clears Another Hurdle, Heads To Senate
• House Passes Cobb-Led Heartbeat Bill | Dems Shun Acworth Lawmaker
• Decatur Democrat Escorted From Podium In Abortion Debate