A federal judge has once again struck down Georgia’s restrictive abortion law, allowing abortions to resume in the state. The law, which had been one of the most stringent in the country, banned abortions after roughly six weeks of pregnancy, before many women even realize they are pregnant. Known as the “heartbeat bill”, it was passed in 2019 but faced immediate legal challenges, leading to ongoing court battles over its constitutionality.

The latest ruling by U.S. District Judge Steve Jones declared that the law violates the U.S. Constitution, as it infringes on women’s reproductive rights. Judge Jones emphasized that the law unduly restricts access to abortion, especially considering the timeframe it imposed. Under the law, abortions were only permitted in cases of rape, incest, or when the mother’s life was at risk, severely limiting options for women in Georgia.

This ruling is seen as a major victory by abortion rights advocates, who have long fought to protect access to reproductive healthcare. For now, women in Georgia will be able to seek abortions without the six-week cutoff. However, the state’s attorneys are expected to appeal the decision, setting the stage for further legal battles that could ultimately reach the Supreme Court. In the meantime, clinics across the state are preparing for an influx of patients seeking care.