Abortion

The legislation bans abortions as soon as a heartbeat can be detected, which typically occurs about six weeks into a pregnancy. The controversial law is expected to trigger a lengthy legal battle.

 

The ACLU of Ohio and other organizations that advocate for abortion rights will sue to block the law, one of most restrictive in the country. "We're counting on [a lawsuit]," say the law's supporters.

Georgia lawmakers approved a bill Friday that, if signed by Gov. Brian Kemp, will ban abortions once a heartbeat is detected in an embryo, which is typically about six weeks into a pregnancy.

The law runs afoul of Supreme Court precedent banning abortion restrictions based on how many weeks pregnant the mother is, the judge wrote.

Two anti-abortion activists are being prosecuted for secretly recording Planned Parenthood workers. The group wants their names to remain confidential out of fear for their safety.

Members of the new Democratic majority in the House vow to reverse restrictions that Republicans have imposed on abortions. But the efforts could lead to titanic fights that imperil other legislation.