Atlanta • Bucking intense opposition from abortion rights groups, citizens, physicians groups and even Hollywood celebrities, Georgia lawmakers gave final approval Friday to a “heartbeat” abortion ban that would outlaw almost all abortions in the state.
The proposal now heads to the desk of Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, who backs it. If enacted, it would be among the strictest abortion bans in the U.S.
The measure was approved by 92 votes, just one vote more than the majority needed to pass out of the 180-member House.
Just after the vote, a tense situation erupted when law enforcement confronted several Democratic lawmakers and protesters speaking against the bill in the halls of the Capitol, threatening to arrest people if a crowd didn't disperse and stop chanting "shame".