Press Release: Federal Judge Blocks Georgia’s Heartbeat Bill

For Immediate Release Media Contact: Sequoia Ayala

Director of Policy and Advocacy

P. (404) 254-4734

D. (678) 753-5747

sayala@sisterlove.org

October 1, 2019- Today a federal judge in Atlanta ruled to temporarily block HB481, also known as the “heartbeat bill”. The injunction will prevent the bill from becoming law until it makes its way through the courts. While delaying the predicted enactment of January 1, 2020, an uphill battle remains. In spite of this, we want to ensure folks that abortion is still legal in Georgia.

SisterLove stands by its belief and commitment to the reproductive justice and freedom of all women and people of reproductive capacity. This bill is an unconstitutional assault on reproductive freedom and bodily autonomy. All Georgians deserve access to quality health care, including access to abortion, and other reproductive health services. We stand with our Reproductive Health, Rights, and Justice Coalition partners; the doctors, lawyers, and clergy who testified against this bill; and the brave Georgians who have shared their stories. Although this is a victory, the fight is not over. Tell your legislators that you support reproductive freedom for all Georgians. Call the Governor’s Office and voice your opposition to a frivolous and illegal burden for folks seeking to access care.

More information to come as the story develops.