Some Georgia Antiabortion Group Leaders Not Focusing On Bill That Would Ban Abortion In All Cases

Although several political watchers have said a bill (HB 1) recently introduced in Georgia that would ban abortion in the state under all circumstances is unlikely to pass, it "underscores the balancing act" Republicans in the state General Assembly "must strike" between social conservatives and moderates, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. State Rep. Bobby Franklin (R), sponsor of the bill, has introduced similar measures in each of the past three legislative sessions, and none have reached a vote in the state House. According to the Journal-Constitution, some antiabortion group leaders say they support the measure but are focusing on other legislation. Pat Chivers, spokesperson for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta, said, "There needs to be some changes on the U.S. Supreme Court before there would be a consideration" of Franklin's bill. Dionne Vann, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Georgia, said the group is "not too worried" that Franklin's bill would become law, adding, "But we are concerned and keeping an eye on the fact that a growing number of representatives are jumping on the bandwagon for whatever reason." Franklin -- who held a news conference, informal hearing and prayer vigil with supporters of the measure on Tuesday -- said he believes the legislation would pass "if it comes to the House floor." The archdiocese and Georgia Right To Life are supporting a proposed measure that would require a pregnant woman to undergo an ultrasound and view images of the fetus before having an abortion. A similar measure did not pass last year (Campos/Jacobs, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 1/10).

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