The Georgia Supreme Court on Monday reinstated the state’s six-week abortion ban, overturning a judge’s ruling a week ago that the six-week ban was unconstitutional and that abortions could continue beyond six weeks.
The six-week ban will remain in effect until Georgia’s highest court considers the state’s appeal.
This means that for now, abortions will not be allowed in Georgia beyond six weeks of pregnancy, often before many women realize they are pregnant.
After the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, a law took effect in Georgia banning most abortions once cardiac activity is detected, which is usually around six weeks. Since then, the abortion debate has made its way through Georgia’s courts.
Last week, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney, in overturning the six-week ban, wrote in his order that while the state’s “interest in protecting unborn” life “is imperative, until this life can be supported by the State….the balance of rights favors the woman.”
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, the Republican who sign six-week ban, released a statement following McBurney’s ruling, saying, “Once again, the will of Georgians and their representatives has been overridden by the personal beliefs of a judge. Protecting the lives of the most vulnerable among us is one of our priorities. most sacred responsibilities, and Georgia will continue to be a place where we fight for the lives of the unborn. »
It is not yet clear how long it will take for the Georgia Supreme Court to consider the appeal.
