More than 120 people turned out Thursday at the Capitol for introduction of legislation that would limit abortions to women who have been pregnant 20 weeks or less.
Rep. Doug McKillip, R-Athens, testified for nearly two hours about his House Bill 954. The bill would criminalize abortions performed after that time period, with prison sentences of one to 10 years. Exceptions could be made when a woman's life is in danger, but in those cases a doctor must try to deliver a living baby.
McKillip said six other states have passed such laws, and he is hopeful the bill will pass. Attempts in recent years to put new restrictions on abortions in Georgia have failed.
Janelle Yamarick, the advocacy director of the Feminist Women's Health Center, expressed concerns about the speed with which the bill was moving. It was introduced four legislative working days ago. Abortions are complex decisions, and women often are unaware of life-threatening problems until late in pregnancy, she said.
Another hearing for the bill will be set next week.
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