The Georgia House voted 91-79 in favor of House Bill 481 or “the heartbeat bill” Friday. This legislation will head to Gov. Kemp’s desk, where he is expected to sign the bill into law. He supported strict abortion laws during his campaign.   

 

UGA students gathered Wednesday evening at Tate Student Center for a “positive protest” in opposition to House Bill 481 or what many call the “heartbeat bill.”

If the bill becomes law, it will be considered one of the strictest abortion laws in the country. It will outlaw abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected or at about six weeks gestation.

Caitlyn Gegen is one of the organizers of the “Commit to Choice” protest. She is a UGA student studying International Affairs and said this issue is not just about women’s rights, but also about human rights.

This isn’t about if you’re pro-life, pro-choice or your stance on abortion. This is about if you believe in women’s autonomy and if you think they get to make that choice,” Gegen said.

Gegen said she hopes the controversy surrounding this bill will cause individuals to unite in order to enact social change. Gegen said about 80 people attended the protest Wednesday evening. She planned this event alongside UGA students Rachael Smith and Anu Cheemarla.

PROTEST: These Commit to Choice protestors were outside the Tate Student around 6:30 this evening on the @universityofga campus. These protestors were marching in opposition to #HB481 or the “heartbeat bill.” pic.twitter.com/y3CLORf0dG

— Donovan Harris (@donoharrtv) March 28, 2019

Donovan Harris is a graduating senior majoring in journalism.