Gov. Kemp To Sign Tough Anti-Abortion Heartbeat Bill On Tuesday

ATLANTA -- Gov. Brian Kemp will sign one of the nation's toughest abortion laws on Tuesday when he puts his signature on the controversial "Heartbeat Bill," outlawing abortions after about six weeks, when most fetal heartbeats are 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.

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.

Kemp has been a major supporter of the bill.

Full coverage from Patch:

• 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
• Anti-Abortion 'Heartbeat' Bill Introduced By 2 Cobb Legislators
• Oconee Legislators Support Anti-Abortion Bill
• Decatur Democrat Escorted From Podium In Abortion Debate