May 5, 2024
ATLANTA — News today that the ACLU has filed a lawsuit opposing a recently-passed Georgia law extending protections to unborn children doesn't surprise pro-life supporters.
The suit, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reported, says the fetal heartbeat bill signed by Governor Brian Kemp violates a woman’s constitutional right to an abortion until approximately 24 weeks of pregnancy. Georgia’s law, like many others passed throughout the country in recent months, prohibits abortion at the point a heartbeat is detected, typically 20 weeks.
House Bill 481, the Living Infants Fairness and Equality (LIFE) Act, will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2020.
“Everyone involved with supporting the bill knew this was a possibility,” Mike Griffin, Georgia Baptist Public Affairs representative, told The Christian Index. “But we also knew the LIFE Act is sound legally because it establishes personhood for the unborn child. It carefully balances the individual liberty of the mother and her right to privacy with the right to life of the distinct and unique person(s) living inside of her.”
The pro-life legislation passed by numerous states, including Georgia, came after the adoption of a pro-abortion law in New York called “alarming in every sense.” That was followed by comments by Virginia Governor Ralph Northam indicating support for infanticide for children surviving an abortion. In addition, the pro-life movie “Unplanned” experienced an unexpected level of popularity at the box office.
Griffin expressed confidence in Georgia’s law to hold its ground.
“I believe there is real hope that this law will pass both tests related to its constitutionality and common sense. We should begin praying now for its successful defense!” he said.
