Index
Georgia LIFE Act (Heartbeat Abortion Law)
Summary
Georgia law prohibits almost all abortions after a fetal heartbeat can be detected, which is typically around six weeks of pregnancy.
Rights & Rules
- 01.A physician cannot legally perform an abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected (usually around 6 weeks).
- 02.Exception: An abortion is permitted if the pregnancy poses a serious risk of death or substantial and irreversible physical impairment to the mother.
- 03.Exception: An abortion is permitted before 20 weeks if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest AND an official police report has been filed.
- 04.Exception: An abortion is permitted if a physician determines the fetus is 'medically futile' (has a profound anomaly that is incompatible with life outside the womb).
Penalties
- 01.Physicians who perform abortions in violation of this law can face criminal prosecution for providing an illegal abortion, which is a felony, and the loss of their medical license.
Verified Citations
Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) 16-12-141
Source"No abortion is authorized or shall be performed if an unborn child has been determined in accordance with Code Section 31-9B-2 to have a detectable human heartbeat except when... A physician determines, in reasonable medical judgment, that a medical emergency exists..."