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Podcast: New efforts to block anti-abortion ‘heartbeat’ law, more

Monica Simpson, executive director of SisterSong, speaks at a press conference following the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Georgia, the Center for Reproductive Rights, and Planned Parenthood filing of a lawsuit challenging Georgia's HB 41, the 'heartbeat bill,' on the steps of the Richard B. Russell Federal Building, on Ted Turner Drive SW in Atlanta, on Friday, June 28, 2019. The 'heartbeat bill' set to take effect on January 1, 2020. The law bans abortion as early as six weeks into pregnancy, before many people even know they are pregnant. Supporters of the measure hope the law will serve as a test case that will rise to the U.S. Supreme Court and challenge Roe v. Wade. Legal experts expect a judge to issue a preliminary injunction to keep the law from going into effect until the case is settled by the courts.

Credit: Christina Matacotta

Credit: Christina Matacotta

Monica Simpson, executive director of SisterSong, speaks at a press conference following the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Georgia, the Center for Reproductive Rights, and Planned Parenthood filing of a lawsuit challenging Georgia's HB 41, the 'heartbeat bill,' on the steps of the Richard B. Russell Federal Building, on Ted Turner Drive SW in Atlanta, on Friday, June 28, 2019. The 'heartbeat bill' set to take effect on January 1, 2020. The law bans abortion as early as six weeks into pregnancy, before many people even know they are pregnant. Supporters of the measure hope the law will serve as a test case that will rise to the U.S. Supreme Court and challenge Roe v. Wade. Legal experts expect a judge to issue a preliminary injunction to keep the law from going into effect until the case is settled by the courts.
By Bria Felicien
July 29, 2019

In this episode of the Politically Georgia podcast, host Greg Bluestein and and AJC statehouse reporter Maya T. Prabhu provide an update on the anti-abortion ‘heartbeat’ law, which includes new efforts to block the legislation from going into effect on January 1.

READ MORE: Georgia abortion rights groups ask judge to block anti-abortion law

Also, the two discuss how supporters of the law are using it to jumpstart a civil rights debate. Also, Bluestein and AJC reporter Jennifer Brett discuss the situation involving State Rep. Erica Thomas at Publix that drew national attention.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. You can also download or stream the episode above.

READ MORE: Georgia abortion opponents liken 'personhood' to fight for civil rights

RELATED: State Rep. Erica Thomas case shows feelings can get ahead of the facts

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About the Author

Bria Felicien is a published author and staff writer at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She produces podcasts for the AJC.

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