Fighting Georgia's Abortion Laws: Strategies For Resistance

Abortion laws in Georgia have been the subject of much debate and legal challenge in recent years. The state's abortion ban, which prohibits abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, has been ruled unconstitutional by a Georgia superior court judge in September 2024, but remains in effect while the state appeals the ruling. The ban was first passed in 2019 but only came into force in 2022 after the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. The law has faced ongoing legal challenges, with abortion rights supporters briefly obtaining an injunction blocking the law. The fight against Georgia's abortion laws has included protests, marches, and lawsuits, with abortion rights supporters arguing that the ban violates the US and state constitutions. The outcome of the legal challenges has significant implications for abortion access not just in Georgia but also in the wider US South region.

Challenge the constitutionality of the law

The Georgia LIFE Act has faced ongoing legal challenges regarding its constitutionality under both state and federal laws.

In 2019, a federal judge blocked the LIFE Act, stating that it conflicted with Roe v. Wade. However, after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, a federal appeals court overturned the order of the lower court, allowing the LIFE Act to take effect.

In September 2024, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney ruled that the abortion ban violated women's rights to liberty and privacy under the state constitution. He stated that "liberty in Georgia includes in its meaning, in its protections, and in its bundle of rights the power of a woman to control her own body, to decide what happens to it and in it, and to reject state interference with her healthcare choices." Judge McBurney's ruling struck down the abortion ban, allowing abortions up to 22 weeks of pregnancy.

The Georgia Supreme Court, however, quickly reinstated the ban during the appeal process. Attorney General Chris Carr's office filed a legal motion, denouncing Judge McBurney's ruling as "barely veiled judicial policymaking." The case now returns to the Georgia Supreme Court, which will consider the state's appeal.

The ongoing legal challenges to the Georgia LIFE Act highlight the contentious nature of abortion laws and the ongoing debate over the constitutionality of such restrictions.

Support abortion rights campaigns

Abortion rights supporters have been actively campaigning against Georgia's abortion laws for several years. In 2022, abortion rights supporters protested in Atlanta after the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, allowing Georgia's Life Act to come into force. This Act prohibited abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, often before women even knew they were pregnant.

There are several ways to support abortion rights campaigns in Georgia. Firstly, you can join the reproductive justice campaign to replace Georgia's abortion restrictions with real abortion access. This involves signing up for action opportunities, such as the Georgia Reproductive Freedom Act (RFA). This act demands that all abortion restrictions be repealed, guaranteeing that no one will be imprisoned for a wanted abortion. You can also get involved in mutual aid by donating time and money to Georgia's abortion fund and practical support network, such as arc-southeast.org.

Another way to support abortion rights is through civic engagement. This involves organizing people to vote in elections and voting for reproductive justice values. Voting allows citizens to elect officials who support health care equity and reproductive rights. You can also stay informed about attacks on reproductive health by signing up for email alerts from organizations like Planned Parenthood Action Fund. These alerts provide breaking news and updates on major policy decisions and elections.

Additionally, you can support abortion rights campaigns by amplifying Georgia's abortion access. This includes sharing information about abortion providers in Georgia, such as the Planned Parenthood Savannah Center and the Feminist Women's Health Center in Atlanta. You can also support organizations financially, such as the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, which fights for reproductive rights and works to ensure that all people can access quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care.

Provide financial and logistical support for people seeking abortions

Providing financial and logistical support for people seeking abortions in Georgia is crucial to helping them access their legal right to the procedure. Here are some ways to do this:

Financial Support

• Donate to abortion funds: Contribute to local or national abortion funds, such as the National Abortion Hotline Fund, which provides financial assistance to people seeking abortion care. These funds help cover the cost of the procedure, as well as travel and lodging expenses.
• Support organizations providing direct services: Organizations like Planned Parenthood Southeast offer financial assistance to those who need help paying for their abortion. They may also provide other services like emergency contraception and sexual and reproductive health care.
• Help with other related expenses: In addition to the cost of the procedure itself, people seeking abortions may need help with travel, lodging, childcare, doula services, and translation services. Local funds and organizations often provide assistance with these additional expenses.

Logistical Support

• Offer practical support: Accompany individuals to appointments, provide transportation, or help with childcare or other necessary tasks.
• Connect people with resources: Share information about abortion providers, funds, and other support services. The National Abortion Hotline, for example, provides information on providers of quality abortion care and can be reached at 1-800-772-9100.
• Spread awareness about abortion pills: Abortion pills can be obtained by mail in every state through organizations like Plan C. This option may be more accessible for those who cannot travel or access a clinic.

Advocate for policy changes to improve abortion access

The first step to improving abortion access in Georgia is to advocate for policy changes that will remove restrictions and expand access to reproductive healthcare services. Here are some ways to do this:

• Support organisations working towards reproductive freedom: Organisations like Reproductive Freedom For All Georgia are building grassroots and political power to engage and mobilise communities, lobby state lawmakers, and advocate for reproductive freedom. Getting involved with these organisations can help amplify their message and apply pressure on lawmakers to make changes.
• Sign petitions: Signing petitions, such as the one calling for a Georgia Reproductive Freedom Act, is a way to add your voice to the collective demand for improved abortion access. This particular petition urges lawmakers to repeal abortion restrictions and reaffirm the right to decide for individuals.
• Send messages to lawmakers: Contacting Georgia lawmakers directly and urging them to support the Reproductive Freedom Act is another way to advocate for policy change. It is important that lawmakers understand the impact of these restrictions and the need for improved access.
• Participate in rallies and vigils: Attending rallies and vigils, such as those held outside the Georgia Supreme Court and the Georgia Capitol Building, is a powerful way to show solidarity and demand change. These gatherings bring attention to the issue and demonstrate the strength of the movement.
• Get involved in politics: Consider running for office or supporting candidates who advocate for reproductive freedom and improved abortion access. This includes voting for candidates at the local, state, and national levels who align with these values.
• Educate and raise awareness: Share information about the impact of abortion restrictions and the importance of access to reproductive healthcare services. Use social media, participate in community discussions, and engage with others to help shift the narrative and build support for policy changes.

By taking these actions and advocating for policy changes, individuals can play a crucial role in improving abortion access in Georgia and ensuring that individuals have the freedom to make their own healthcare choices.

Raise awareness about the lack of scientific basis behind the heartbeat standard

Georgia's abortion laws have been a topic of contention, with the state passing several bills to restrict abortion access in recent years. The most recent example is the 2019 HB 481 bill, which sought to make abortion illegal as soon as embryonic cardiac-cell activity could be detected, which is usually around the six-week mark of a pregnancy. This law was struck down by a Georgia judge in September 2024, who ruled that it was unconstitutional and violated the state constitution.

The phrase "fetal heartbeat" is often used in anti-abortion "heartbeat bills" to indicate a defining moment of aliveness. However, at six weeks, what is detected is not a fully formed heartbeat as we typically understand it, but rather electrical activity from a group of cells. This is what ob-gyns refer to as "fetal pole cardiac activity," and it is not sufficient for viability.

To raise awareness about the lack of scientific basis behind the heartbeat standard, here are some key points to consider:

• At six weeks, an embryo is still forming what will eventually develop into mature systems. While there is some electrical activity, it is not indicative of a fully functioning cardiovascular system.
• The detection of cardiac rhythm at this stage is primarily a marker for the health of a pregnancy and a positive sign that it will continue. However, it does not guarantee that the pregnancy will result in a living baby.
• The use of the term "unborn human individual" in legislation is misleading, as it depends on one's definition of when life begins and who gets to make that determination.
• The detection of "fetal heartbeat" at six weeks is largely dependent on advancements in ultrasound technology, which allow for the observation of electrical activity in a group of cells.
• The scientific community has not found a direct link between the detection of "fetal heartbeat" and viability. While it is a positive sign, it does not guarantee the future viability of the pregnancy.
• The use of scientific language in "heartbeat bills" can be seen as an attempt to challenge court rulings that have struck down similar laws in the past.
• By focusing on the "heartbeat," these bills may deter women from seeking necessary prenatal medical care, as they may fear prosecution in the event of a miscarriage.
• The scientific and medical communities widely agree that restricting abortion access leads to increased maternal mortality, particularly among poor women and women of color.

By sharing this information and educating others about the true nature of "fetal heartbeat" and its relevance to abortion legislation, we can raise awareness about the lack of scientific basis behind the heartbeat standard and work towards evidence-based policies that prioritize the health and well-being of individuals.

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