June 24, 2022–8:40 a.m.
STAFF REPORTS
On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, essentially giving the states the power to make their own laws regarding abortion.
In the short term, in Georgia, that will likely mean the return of the so-called “Heartbeat Bill.”
The bill was signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp in 2019.
It would have prevented Georgia doctors from performing an abortion if a fetal heartbeat is detected, which is usually around six weeks after conception.
However, it was ruled unconstitutional in July of 2020 by Judge Steve C. Jones of the US District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.
The state appealed to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, which put a stay on the review of the case, pending the US Supreme Court’s ruling on a Mississippi law that banned abortion after 15 weeks.
It was as part of the ruling on that case, that the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr issued a statement Friday that said :
“We have just filed a notice in the 11th Circuit requesting it reverse the District Court’s decision and allow Georgia’s Heartbeat Law to take effect.”
You can read the notice below
