A basic human right, in this case the right to autonomy over your own body, was sucked into the swamp of stupidity that currently passes for government in the US after the state of Georgia passed a bill this month effectively outlawing abortion.Those fond of linguistic wrestling will try to temper your outrage with the half-truth that the bill exempts women who seek abortions and will instead target the health-care professionals who perform them.The only exceptions will be rape, incest, if carrying the baby to term endangers the mother’s life, or if the foetus is "unviable". So, just like being back in 1904 then.The Georgia measure is one of several so-called "heartbeat bills" recently passed by Republican-controlled states that appear to have become emboldened now that two of US President Donald Trump’s appointees, Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch, have taken seats on the Supreme Court bench.The bills outlaw abortions once a heartbeat is detected, as early as six weeks into pregna...

Subscribe now to unlock this article.

Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).

There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.

Cancel anytime.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.