ATLANTA, May 13, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Georgia’s Governor Sonny Perdue signed legislation Tuesday requiring a 24-hour cool-down period before a woman may proceed with an abortion.
The proposal is one that has been repeatedly forwarded by his Republican colleagues in the legislature but filibustered by Democrats – that is, until March, when Republicans finally gained control of the house.
Perdue described the bill as “a commonsense approach to a sensitive issue,” adding that it mirrors “the mainstream values that Georgians share.” Pro-life supporters of the measure, gathered to observe the signing, applauded as the bill became law.
The new law, requiring that a woman present herself or notify an abortionist 24 hours in advance of the procedure, also mandates that abortionists tell women the risks involved, the age and stage of development of their unborn child, and abortion alternatives. Women must also be told that the child’s father can be made to pay to support the mother and child.
The bill also incorporates a parental notification measure, requiring that parents be contacted prior to an abortion being committed on an underage girl.
“This legislation affirms that women have the right to be made aware of the risks of abortions as well as the risk of carrying a child to term,” Perdue said at the signing, according to an accessnorthga.com report. “Women also have the right to learn about all the other options available to them in the event of an unwanted pregnancy.”
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