In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of Georgia has upheld the state's "heartbeat" law, which effectively bans abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, recognizing the personhood of unborn babies. The ruling, passed by a majority of 6-1, allows the "Living Infants Fairness and Equality" (LIFE) Act to remain in effect while awaiting further legal challenges.

The LIFE Act prohibits abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detectable. This ruling comes after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Roe v. Wade decision in its Dobbs v. Jackson case, giving states more authority over their abortion laws.

Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America (SBA), a prominent pro-life advocacy group, celebrated the decision as a "major victory for life." The court's ruling emphasized the significance of the Dobbs decision, stating that it no longer allows Roe and its related precedents to control the legality of abortion. Justice Verda Colvin, who wrote the ruling, emphasized that the court's role is to interpret the law, not create it.

The LIFE Act not only prohibits abortions but also recognizes unborn babies as human persons under the law. It allows mothers to receive child support from the beginning of pregnancy and permits parents to claim unborn babies as dependents on state income taxes. The law is part of a broader trend in several states, with 25 states enacting policies to protect unborn babies at or before the point when they can feel pain.

This decision reflects a significant shift in the legal landscape surrounding abortion rights, marking a victory for pro-life advocates and supporters of fetal personhood.