ATLANTA – State Representative Leesa Hagan (R-Lyons) today issued the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade, which now allows individual states the ability to set their own abortion policies:
“Today, the U.S. Supreme Court’s historic decision returns authority to each state through the people and their elected representatives to determine how the issue of abortion will be handled.
“With the passage of House Bill 481, the ‘Heartbeat Bill,’ in 2019, the personhood of the unborn has been recognized, and I hope this bill can be enacted soon after the Supreme Court’s decision. Under HB 481, these babies would be protected from abortion once a heartbeat has been detected, and they may even be claimed as a dependent for state income tax purposes.
“Additionally, I am confident that Georgia is ready to support a culture of life. During this past session, we passed a bill to allow maternity supportive homes to support expectant mothers in need. Furthermore, for years, the dozens of pregnancy resource centers in our state have been providing free ultrasounds, support and aid for thousands of women.
“I am thrilled with this Supreme Court decision and look forward to the human rights of the unborn being recognized and protected. Many lives will be saved in Georgia thanks to today’s decision.”