What Are The Abortion Restrictions in Georgia?

What are the abortion restrictions in GA

If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy and considering abortion, you may be wondering about your access. 

Currently, abortions are banned in Georgia after a heartbeat is detected, typically at the sixth week of pregnancy.

Legal Status In Georgia

Georgia’s abortion regulation is the “Heartbeat” law, initially passed in 2019. This law, known as the Living Infants Fairness and Equality (LIFE) Act, prohibits most abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detectable, which can be as early as six weeks into pregnancy.

The law includes exceptions in certain circumstances. These include cases of rape or incest (where a police report has been filed), if the mother’s life is at risk, or if a serious medical condition renders a fetus unviable.

The state mandates that women undergo an ultrasound before receiving an abortion. The law also requires that the individual be offered the opportunity to view the ultrasound image and listen to the fetal heartbeat. 

What Should I Do?

Initially, it’s essential to prioritize your health and gather comprehensive information about your available choices.

An ultrasound is the best way to confirm if the heartbeat is detectable. 

Once your pregnancy is verified through medical-grade testing, it’s advisable to have an ultrasound. This ultrasound is crucial as it offers important insights into your pregnancy, giving you essential details to inform your next steps.

The ultrasound will inform you about the viability of the pregnancy, its gestational age, and its location, which is particularly important to rule out an ectopic pregnancy. This information is key to determining if additional medical intervention is needed and safeguarding your health.

Get Your Options

Options Medical Clinic offers free pregnancy testing and ultrasounds so that you can get this vital information. Contact us for a safe and confidential appointment.

If you’re contemplating abortion, our skilled medical staff and consultants are available to explore your choices with you and assist in making a well-informed decision.