ATLANTA – The Georgia House of Representatives today passed House Bill 954, a pro-life measure that would ban abortions after 20 weeks and thereby protect the lives of unborn children at the stage of development where medical evidence indicates a fetus is capable of feeling pain.
“We should take every reasonable measure possible to ensure the safety of the unborn,” said Rep. Doug McKillip (R-Athens). “Substantial medical evidence indicates that at 20 weeks after fertilization, a baby in the womb is capable of feeling pain. This compelling medical evidence has convinced me that we must take the steps necessary to protect all unborn human life from the cruel infliction of pain, suffering, and death. This bill demonstrates this state’s commitment to life.”
Under HB 954, licensed medical professionals would be prohibited from performing or inducing an abortion until a determination of the probable gestational age of the fetus is completed. If the gestation age is found to be 20 weeks or more, then the abortion would not be allowed in most cases. An exception would apply to pregnancies that threaten the life of the mother or “the life of an unborn child.” Failure to conform to the requirements of the law would subject the physician to criminal and medical licensing sanctions.
For more information on HB 954, please click here.
Representative Doug McKillip represents the citizens of District 115, which includes portions of Clarke County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2006, and is currently Secretary of the Reapportionment Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations, Industrial Relations, Intragovernmental Coordination, Judiciary, and Natural Resources & Environment committees.
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