With the recent updates to abortion laws in America, it’s important to understand if anything has changed for your state of residence. 

For women living in Georgia, abortion legislation recommended in years past has now become the new law. 

Keep reading to see what’s been updated and learn the best journey forward if you are currently experiencing an unwanted pregnancy. 

What Has Changed?

In June of 2022, the Supreme Court reversed the original Roe v. Wade verdict. Instead, the Court has now given the responsibility to the individual states to decide how, if, and when abortions should be legal. 

The state of Georgia passed the Heartbeat Bill in 2019, which allows elective abortions only until a fetal heartbeat can be detected by sonogram: usually, this is detectable around 6 weeks gestation. A lawsuit initially blocked the bill, but after the removal of Roe, lawmakers in Georgia have reestablished this legislation. 

Are There Exceptions?

Georgia lawmakers have granted three exceptions to the 6-week abortion ban.  They include rape or incest (when a police report has been filed), or a life-threatening situation for the mother.  

For instance, if a woman has an ectopic pregnancy but discovers this when she is 8-9 weeks pregnant, it is legal for her to have that pregnancy terminated. Ectopic pregnancies are rare and occur when a pregnancy begins to grow outside of the uterus. If not removed, it can cause severe or even fatal internal bleeding. 

Taking The First Step

If you think you may be pregnant but unsure what to do next, or you are wondering what options are available to you, you’re in the right place. At Birthright of Atlanta, we offer women free and confidential consultations, which include pregnancy test confirmation and help in navigating a pregnancy.  Your future matters to us. 

We have an open-door policy, so there is no need to make an appointment. Just stop by when you’re ready to take that first step. There is a place for you at Birthright.