Georgia representatives discuss state abortion rights in a 'post-Roe' era

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTGS) — Georgia Democrats visited Savannah on Wednesday to talk about the Republican-led effort to join states like Texas, Mississippi, and Oklahoma in adopting some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country.

This comes days after The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Wade Herring, the Democrat running to unseat Congressman Buddy Carter, called this decision disastrous.

“Millions of women in Georgia will be in danger if Republicans are allowed to enact their extreme restrictions on healthcare choice," Herring said.

RELATED:WHO chief: US abortion ruling 'a setback,' will cost lives

Republican Rep. Ron Stephens said that the ruling paved the way for Georgia House Bill 481 to pass through the legislature, which will ban abortions six weeks after conception when there is a detectable fetal heartbeat.

“The Supreme Court Ruling made it perfectly clear that the Georgia law will now stand, as is, there’s nothing else for Georgia to do," Stephens said.

If the heartbeat bill goes into effect, legislators could call for the prosecution of women and their doctors if they assist with abortions.

Several district attorneys from some of Georgia’s largest counties, including Shalena Cook Jones in Chatham County, signed a joint letter saying they would not prosecute these cases.

Some Republican candidates have promised to support a total abortion ban, removing exceptions for rape, incest, and pregnancies that could be fatal for the mother if carried to term.

Democrats said the fight for a woman's right to choose is on the ballot in the November Midterm Elections.

“State legislative bodies are now the frontlines of the battle for reproductive rights," said Representative Derek Mallow. "It’s more important than ever that we elect pro-choice representatives in The Georgia House of Representatives and The State Senate to block republican attacks on abortion rights and the fight for reproductive freedom.”