Political Rewind: Right To Abortion Access In Question As Ga. GOP Considers Texas-Inspired Law

Caption

In this Sept. 1, 2021 file photo, a security guard opens the door to the Whole Women's Health Clinic in Fort Worth, Texas. Even before a strict abortion ban took effect in Texas this week, clinics in neighboring states were fielding more and more calls from women desperate for options. The Texas law, allowed to stand in a decision Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021 by the U.S. Supreme Court, bans abortions after a fetal heartbeat can be detected, typically around six weeks.

Credit: LM Otero, AP

Wednesday on Political Rewind: Republican state Sen. Butch Miller said he intends to introduce a bill patterned after Texas’ contentious new abortion law during the upcoming session of the Georgia legislature. The Texas measure empowers private citizens to sue and collect financial damages from anyone facilitating an abortion.

This comes just a week before a federal appeals court takes up Georgia’s now-stayed abortion law, which effectively bans the procedure for most women.

Meanwhile, Gov. Brian Kemp continues his criticism of President Joe Biden’s broad vaccine mandate. There is fear the language Biden is using will further inflame the partisan tensions already at play in Georgia. Kemp said the mandate will, “push Georgians to the breaking point” and could lead to an uprising and mutiny.

Panelists:

Dr. Andra Gillespie — Professor of political science and director of the James Weldon Johnson Institute for the Study of Race and Difference at Emory University

Fred Smith — Professor of constitutional law, Emory University

Dr. Alan Abramowitz — Professor of political science, Emory University