Georgia House Bill HB604

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/23

Caption

Persons and their rights; life from the moment of conception is accorded same rights and protections guaranteed to all persons; provide

Impact

If passed, HB604 would have significant implications for state laws regarding abortion and reproductive healthcare. By recognizing life from the moment of conception, the bill could effectively limit or even eliminate legal abortion within Georgia. Additionally, this shift in legal status could influence medical practices concerning contraception and fertility treatments, as any method recognized as an abortifacient could face stricter regulations or prohibitions. The bill sets a precedent that could alter the landscape of reproductive rights significantly across the state.

Summary

House Bill 604 seeks to amend Chapter 2 of Title 1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated by establishing that life is valued and protected from the moment of conception. The bill explicitly states that each life, starting from conception, is entitled to the same rights and protections guaranteed to all persons under both the U.S. Constitution and the Georgia Constitution. This legislative move is anchored in redefining when human life begins legally, affecting various aspects of reproductive rights and healthcare provisions in Georgia.

Contention

The bill is likely to engender substantial debate and contention among lawmakers and the public. Advocates of the bill argue it affirms the value of life and aligns with their moral viewpoints on abortion, asserting that it provides necessary protections for the unborn. However, opponents contend that such measures infringe upon women's rights to make choices about their own bodies and reproductive health. Concerns also extend to the potential legal ramifications that could arise regarding contraception, as the bill distinguishes between abortifacients and contraception, which may lead to further legal disputes and challenges.