District Judge Steve C. Jones, a federal judge, has blocked Georgia’s anti-abortion law from going into effect.
While a challenge to the law goes through the court system, Judge Jones issued a ruling on House Bill 481 from taking effect.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia has sued the state saying the law, which bans abortions once a doctor can detect fetal cardiac activity is unconstitutional.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp issued a statement saying, “We are currently reviewing Judge Jones’ decision. Despite today’s outcome, we remain confident in our position. We will continue to fight for the unborn and work to ensure that all Georgians have the opportunity to live, grow, and prosper.”
This news comes after Tyler Perry announced he would not leave Georgia’s film industry if the anti-abortion law moves forward.
Tyler Perry said he is committed to staying in Georgia.
“Atlanta has been the dream. It has been the promised land,” he said. “So when I got here, this whole state and city has been amazing to me and I wouldn’t trade that for anything. Also, I put $250 million in the ground here and in the studio. So when you have a quarter of a billion dollars sat down in the ground, you can’t just up and leave.”
What is the heartbeat bill?
The law bans abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected. A fetal heartbeat can be detected as early as six weeks into pregnancy before many women realize they are pregnant. The law is set to become enforceable on January 1st.
Some actors, including Alyssa Milano, Mark Hamill, and Mandy Moore, have suggested a boycott against filming in Georgia. Other filmmakers such as Jordan Peele and J.j. Abrams, who are currently filming their HBO series “Lovecraft Country,” will donate all of their “episodic fees” to organizations to fight the heartbeat bill including Fair Fight Georgia and the ACLU of Georgia.
