Senate Passes SB 210 - Protects Women Against Improper Abortion Procedures

 

Media release: The Senate passed SB 210 today, which protects women by allowing them to sue abortion providers if the provider does not conform to Georgia abortion law.

 

If passed by the House of Representatives and signed by the governor, Senate Bill 210 would allow a woman to sue an abortion provider if an abortion was performed on a minor without her parents' consent; if an illegal abortion; if the abortion provider did not follow the requirements of the "Women's Right to Know Act;" or if the abortion provider violated any other existing abortion laws.

 

Under the Women's Right to Know Act, passed in 2007, an abortion provider must offer the woman a chance to view an ultrasound or listen to the baby's heartbeat before she has the abortion. The law says it must be offered; the woman can decline.

 

"Generally speaking, Senate Bill 210 helps us enforce abortion rules that are already on the books," said Sen. Barry Loudermilk, the bill's sponsor. "Abortion is legal in Georgia and this will not stop that. SB 210 works with existing laws to make sure abortions are safe. Even the most ardent abortion supporter says abortions should be safe, legal and rare."

 

Sen. Judson Hill, a strong supporter of SB 210, said: "This bill protects the rights of women and ensures they are given a fair day I court if they are coerced into having an abortion.

 

"The language in this bill will help make sure our existing abortion laws are followed. Georgia has specific laws that say doctors must offer to let the woman see a sonogram before an abortion and doctors must wait 24 hours after notifying an underage woman's parents about a pending abortion. Without this bill, we don't know if those laws are being followed."

 

SB 210 also allows a woman to sue for wrongful death if an abortion occurs because of a crime, negligence or defectively manufactured equipment.

 

 

Sen. Barry Loudermilk represents the 52^nd Senate District which includes Floyd County and portions of Bartow and Gordon counties.  He may be reached by phone at 404.656.0034 or by e-mail at barry.loudermilk@senate.ga.gov.