Georgia Asks Judge Not to Block Fetal Heartbeat Abortion Law

Georgia Asks Judge Not to Block Fetal Heartbeat Abortion Law
Georgia's Gov. Brian Kemp, center, signs legislation banning abortions once a fetal heartbeat can be detected in Atlanta on May 7, 2019. Bob Andres/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP, File
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ATLANTA—Georgia has asked a federal judge not to block the state’s restrictive abortion law from taking effect and to dismiss a challenge to the constitutionality of the measure.

The law bans abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected, which can happen as early as six weeks into a pregnancy, before many women realize they’re expecting. It allows for only limited exceptions.