Latest news with #EmoryDunahoo
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
A bill proposing a near-total abortion ban causes an uproar at Georgia's Capitol
ATLANTA (AP) — A crowd of pro-abortion and anti-abortion protesters flooded a windowless Georgia Capitol hallway on Wednesday with chants and signs as lawmakers held a hearing on a bill that would ban almost all abortions. Although the bill won't go anywhere this year because a deadline has passed for consideration by both chambers, the hearing by the House's Republican leadership gave anti-abortion activists a chance to speak out on an issue near and dear to their constituents. Dozens milled about and shouted words of support or disdain for the proposal. Onlookers tried to squeeze into the hearing room as sheriff's deputies guarded the area. One man raised his voice above the noise and said, 'I'm so thankful that my mom gave me life' and did not 'sacrifice' her children. Each time someone left the room after testifying, they were met with cheers from those on their side of the bill. "Tens of thousands of babies made in the image of God continue to be murdered in our state every year, all within the bounds of the current law," said bill sponsor Rep. Emory Dunahoo, a Gillsville Republican. 'This bill simply ensures that those same laws protecting the lives of people after birth equally protect the lives of people before birth.' The bill would make most abortions a crime from the point of fertilization, at which point one would be considered a person. That would expand Georgia's broad 'personhood' law, which gives rights such as tax breaks and child support to unborn children. At least five states have personhood laws. Georgia already bans abortions after finding a 'detectable human heartbeat,' which can happen as early as six weeks into pregnancy when many women still don't know they are pregnant. Still, a flurry of religious leaders said the measure doesn't go far enough. Some religious anti-abortion individuals were among the bill's opponents, though, saying it goes too far with criminalization. Critics of the measure said it would bar women from lifesaving care during birth complications and in-vitro fertilization. Many voiced concern that women with miscarriages or dangerous health complications during birth would not get the care they need. Rep. Shea Roberts, an Atlanta Democrat, recounted her own experience getting an abortion to save her life. "It was one of the most devastating times in my life, and doctors told me that the dream of my child was going to die either inside of me or within minutes outside my body, and it would be suffering," Roberts said. The bill would grant some exceptions, including in cases involving a 'spontaneous miscarriage' and procedures undertaken to save a mother's life "when accompanied by reasonable steps, if available, to save the life of her unborn child.' But opponents say doctors would be too frightened by the proposal to provide that care even when necessary. They pointed to the cases — reported by the investigative journalism outlet ProPublica — of two women who died from delayed care tied to Georgia's abortion law after taking abortion pills. Doctors also noted that Georgia already has some of the nation's highest maternal mortality rates, especially for Black women. Lawmakers should focus on helping them get more care, opponents said. Doctors also said the bill sets the stage for the criminalization of in vitro fertilization and would force fertility clinics to close. The bill comes about a month after Georgia's House passed a bill with bipartisan support to protect the right to in vitro fertilization in the state. That measure was sponsored by Statesboro Republican Rep. Lehman Franklin, whose wife used IVF to conceive. Despite concerns from several doctors, Dunahoo responded that the bill would not interfere with access to in vitro fertilization. But Dr. Karenne Fru, who runs a fertility clinic that provides in-vitro fertilization, said the bill would put her out of work. 'My whole life is doing God's work. He said go forth and procreate,' said Fru, her voice shaking. 'I'm doing that. Please, just let me continue to do that. I cannot go to jail because I want to help people become parents.'
The Independent
26-03-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
A bill proposing a near-total abortion ban causes an uproar at Georgia's Capitol
A crowd of pro-abortion and anti-abortion protesters flooded a windowless Georgia Capitol hallway on Wednesday with chants and signs as lawmakers held a hearing on a bill that would ban almost all abortions. Although the bill won't go anywhere this year because a deadline has passed for consideration by both chambers, the hearing by the House's Republican leadership gave anti-abortion activists a chance to speak out on an issue near and dear to their constituents. Dozens milled about and shouted words of support or disdain for the proposal. Onlookers tried to squeeze into the hearing room as sheriff's deputies guarded the area. One man raised his voice above the noise and said, 'I'm so thankful that my mom gave me life' and did not 'sacrifice' her children. Each time someone left the room after testifying, they were met with cheers from those on their side of the bill. "Tens of thousands of babies made in the image of God continue to be murdered in our state every year, all within the bounds of the current law," said bill sponsor Rep. Emory Dunahoo, a Gillsville Republican. 'This bill simply ensures that those same laws protecting the lives of people after birth equally protect the lives of people before birth.' The bill would make most abortions a crime from the point of fertilization. Georgia already bans abortions after finding a 'detectable human heartbeat,' which can happen as early as six weeks into pregnancy when many women still don't know they are pregnant. Still, a flurry of religious leaders said the measure doesn't go far enough. Some religious anti-abortion individuals were among the bill's opponents, though, saying it goes too far with criminalization. Critics of the measure said it would bar women from lifesaving care during birth complications and in-vitro fertilization. Many voiced concern that women with miscarriages or dangerous health complications during birth would not get the care they need. Rep. Shea Roberts, an Atlanta Democrat, recounted her own experience getting an abortion to save her life. "It was one of the most devastating times in my life, and doctors told me that the dream of my child was going to die either inside of me or within minutes outside my body, and it would be suffering," Roberts said. The bill would grant some exceptions, including in cases involving a 'spontaneous miscarriage' and procedures undertaken to save a mother's life "when accompanied by reasonable steps, if available, to save the life of her unborn child.' But opponents say doctors would be too frightened by the proposal to provide that care even when necessary. They pointed to the cases — reported by the investigative journalism outlet ProPublica — of two women who died from delayed care tied to Georgia's abortion law after taking abortion pills. Doctors also noted that Georgia already has some of the nation's highest maternal mortality rates, especially for Black women. Lawmakers should focus on helping them get more care, opponents said. Doctors also said the bill sets the stage for the criminalization of in vitro fertilization and would force fertility clinics to close. The bill comes about a month after Georgia's House passed a bill with bipartisan support to protect the right to in vitro fertilization in the state. That measure was sponsored by Statesboro Republican Rep. Lehman Franklin, whose wife used IVF to conceive. Despite concerns from several doctors, Dunahoo responded that the bill would not interfere with access to in vitro fertilization. But Dr. Karenne Fru, who runs a fertility clinic that provides in-vitro fertilization, said the bill would put her out of work. 'My whole life is doing God's work. He said go forth and procreate,' said Fru, her voice shaking. 'I'm doing that. Please, just let me continue to do that. I cannot go to jail because I want to help people become parents.'
Associated Press
26-03-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
A bill proposing a near-total abortion ban causes an uproar at Georgia's Capitol
ATLANTA (AP) — A crowd of pro-abortion and anti-abortion protesters flooded a windowless Georgia Capitol hallway on Wednesday with chants and signs as lawmakers held a hearing on a bill that would ban almost all abortions. Although the bill won't go anywhere this year because a deadline has passed for consideration by both chambers, the hearing by the House's Republican leadership gave anti-abortion activists a chance to speak out on an issue near and dear to their constituents. Dozens milled about and shouted words of support or disdain for the proposal. Onlookers tried to squeeze into the hearing room as sheriff's deputies guarded the area. One man raised his voice above the noise and said, 'I'm so thankful that my mom gave me life' and did not 'sacrifice' her children. Each time someone left the room after testifying, they were met with cheers from those on their side of the bill. 'Tens of thousands of babies made in the image of God continue to be murdered in our state every year, all within the bounds of the current law,' said bill sponsor Rep. Emory Dunahoo, a Gillsville Republican. 'This bill simply ensures that those same laws protecting the lives of people after birth equally protect the lives of people before birth.' The bill would make most abortions a crime from the point of fertilization. Georgia already bans abortions after finding a 'detectable human heartbeat,' which can happen as early as six weeks into pregnancy when many women still don't know they are pregnant. Still, a flurry of religious leaders said the measure doesn't go far enough. Some religious anti-abortion individuals were among the bill's opponents, though, saying it goes too far with criminalization. Critics of the measure said it would bar women from lifesaving care during birth complications and in-vitro fertilization. Many voiced concern that women with miscarriages or dangerous health complications during birth would not get the care they need. Rep. Shea Roberts, an Atlanta Democrat, recounted her own experience getting an abortion to save her life. 'It was one of the most devastating times in my life, and doctors told me that the dream of my child was going to die either inside of me or within minutes outside my body, and it would be suffering,' Roberts said. The bill would grant some exceptions, including in cases involving a 'spontaneous miscarriage' and procedures undertaken to save a mother's life 'when accompanied by reasonable steps, if available, to save the life of her unborn child.' But opponents say doctors would be too frightened by the proposal to provide that care even when necessary. They pointed to the cases — reported by the investigative journalism outlet ProPublica — of two women who died from delayed care tied to Georgia's abortion law after taking abortion pills. Doctors also noted that Georgia already has some of the nation's highest maternal mortality rates, especially for Black women. Lawmakers should focus on helping them get more care, opponents said. Doctors also said the bill sets the stage for the criminalization of in vitro fertilization and would force fertility clinics to close. The bill comes about a month after Georgia's House passed a bill with bipartisan support to protect the right to in vitro fertilization in the state. That measure was sponsored by Statesboro Republican Rep. Lehman Franklin, whose wife used IVF to conceive. Despite concerns from several doctors, Dunahoo responded that the bill would not interfere with access to in vitro fertilization. But Dr. Karenne Fru, who runs a fertility clinic that provides in-vitro fertilization, said the bill would put her out of work. 'My whole life is doing God's work. He said go forth and procreate,' said Fru, her voice shaking. 'I'm doing that. Please, just let me continue to do that. I cannot go to jail because I want to help people become parents.'
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Hearing over new GA bill that equates abortion to murder got so crowded troopers had step in
Georgia lawmakers are considering a bill that would essentially equate abortion to murder at the time of conception. The room got so full for Wednesday's hearing over HB 441 that troopers had no choice but to clear it. 'We're going to get everybody to step out. There's way too many people in here,' the troopers told the crowd. While the mass of people stood outside the committee room door, inside, Gillsville Republican Emory Dunahoo presented his bill which would grant 'personhood' to an embryo upon fertilization, and so, he says anyone who intentionally terminated that pregnancy could be guilty of murder. RELATED STORIES: Georgia Republicans want to limit early voting sites to just 1 location per county in revised bill Georgia Secretary of State's Office to purge 455,000 registrations from voter rolls Georgia Senate passes tax-free military retirement legislation, sending it back to the House 'Tens of thousands of babies made in the image of God continue to be murdered in our state every year,' Dunahoo said. 'This bill simply ensures that the same laws that protect the lives of people after birth equally protects the lives of people before birth.' Democrats peppered Dunahoo with questions about miscarriages, invitro fertilization and exceptions for rape and incest. 'So, there's no exception, tell me if I'm right or wrong, for rape or incest in this bill, is that accurate?' state Rep. Shea Roberts asked Dunahoo. 'Yes,' Dunahoo said. The bill has no chance of passing or even getting a vote this session, especially since it would eliminate the GOP-backed bill protecting IVF in Georgia, but that didn't stop Democrats from demanding answers. 'So, the answer to my question is yes, this would be a total ban? Tell me if I'm wrong,' state Rep. Dar'shun Kendrick asked Dunahoo. 'I pretty much would agree, I would say yes, sir,' Dunahoo said. That IVF protection bill was one of House Speaker Jon Burns' key pieces of legislation. The Senate is supposed to be taking it up Thursday.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Georgia lawmaker mounts campaign to require schools to post Ten Commandments
A Ten Commandments sculpture is on display in front of city hall June 27, 2001 in Grand Junction, CO. State Rep. Emory Dunahoo wants the commandments prominently displayed on posters in all of Georgia's schools, but First Amendment advocates say that's unconstitutional. (Photo by) Moses brought them down from Mount Sinai to the children of Israel, and now Gillsville Republican state Rep. Emory Dunahoo wants to bring them to all the children of Georgia. It's the Ten Commandments, and Dunahoo has a bill that would require all public schools to display copies of them in three locations: the main entrance, the library and the cafeteria, along with a text describing the history of the Ten Commandments in schools. According to the book of Exodus, God gave the commandments to the Israelites as they were wandering the wilderness after escaping slavery in Egypt. Dunahoo, who comes from a family of teachers and coaches, said hopes House Bill 313 will help reverse troubling increases in student's mental health problems and difficult family situations. 'I just thought, well, it's time to kind of at least try to bring some good literature that we can look at that was biblically written, and Moses, when he wrote the Ten Commandments and God gave them to him, it was something just to follow as the people were in the wilderness,' Dunahoo said in an interview at the state Capitol. 'Within our school systems, we're not in the wilderness, but it seems like we're going back there with all the things that are happening now. I just thought, no pun intended, just to basically put something good before our young people.' Dunahoo said he would not have a problem with schools displaying modern translations of the Ten Commandments, though his bill calls for specific language similar to the old-fashioned English of the King James Bible. 'All it is is we put it in three places,' he added. 'As they walk by, there's something positive for them to look at, not to sit there and cram it down anybody's throat, not to make them have to. I can walk by and look at anything in this Capitol I want to, I can walk by and pay no attention to it if I want to.' That's not likely to satisfy free speech advocates, who argue that requiring schools to post the commandments would violate the First Amendment's protection from the government establishing a state religion. 'Attempting to indoctrinate children by mandating the display of a preferred religious text is completely inappropriate in Georgia's public schools, where students of all faiths and backgrounds should feel equally welcomed in the classroom,' said Cory Isaacson, legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia. 'HB 313 also takes away parental authority, forcing specific beliefs onto kids without any consent by their parents. This is a terrible bill, and violates students' First Amendment rights.' U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals judges are considering a case out of Louisiana with similar language to Georgia's bill but that would require a copy of the Ten Commandments in every Louisiana classroom. A Louisiana judge ruled in November that that state's law violated the U.S. Constitution, but after an appeal from the state's attorney general, that ruling only applies to five school districts that are among the defendants in that case. For the rest of the state, the law went into effect at the start of 2025. Democratic state Sen. Kim Jackson, who is also an Episcopal priest, said she's not a fan of requiring the commandments in Georgia schools. 'I understand the premise, which is that educating children on how we should treat one another is really important,' she said. 'However, where we fall short is that the Ten Commandments are A, not universal teachings, and B, we have a really diverse group of children who sit in our classrooms every day, and they should not have to stare at texts that don't represent their tradition, particularly religious texts.' Jackson said people of all faiths agree with the virtues modeled in many of the commandments, such as not killing or stealing, but not all of the commandments may be seen as universal. 'Certainly people who are Hindu, people who have multiple gods, they certainly would take an affront to that particular language,' she said, referring to the commandment 'Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 'This language of honor your mother and father, when you talk to victims of incest, they struggle with that, as they should, right? And so those Ten Commandments, while I think they overarchingly provide us some good basic things that we should believe in, they're complicated.' 'To post that in an elementary school room in old English, probably written in a font that none of us could even access on our computer today, it's not about teaching principles, it's a symbol, it's a picture that's simply meant to impress upon a people a particular religious value that is not held by people, and even Christians don't even agree upon what the law means,' she added. The bill has been assigned to the House Education Committee. Dunahoo expressed cautious optimism it will move forward. 'You know, everything's tested down here to a certain extent, but with that, you know, I guess we'll just see how it goes forward,' he said. 'I think that we shouldn't have a problem, that people take it for what the intentions are, then we won't have a problem.' The text of the Ten Commandments and accompanying poster as prescribed by HB 313: 'The Ten Commandments I AM the LORD thy God. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make to thyself any graven images. Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his cattle, nor anything that is thy neighbor's.' The history of the Ten Commandments in American public education. 'The Ten Commandments were a prominent part of American public education for almost three centuries. Around the year 1688, The New England Primer became the first published American textbook and was the equivalent of a first grade reader. The New England Primer was used in public schools throughout the United States for more than 150 years to teach Americans to read and contained more than 40 questions about the Ten Commandments. The Ten Commandments were also included in public school textbooks published by educator William McGuffey, a noted university president and professor. A version of his famous McGuffey Readers was written in the early 1800s and became one of the most popular textbooks in the history of American education, selling more than 100 million copies. Copies of the McGuffey Readers are still available today. The Ten Commandments also appeared in a textbook published by Noah Webster which was widely used in American public schools along with America's first comprehensive dictionary that Webster also published. His textbook, The American Spelling Book, contained the Ten Commandments and sold more than 100 million copies for use by public school children all across the nation and was still available for use in American public schools in the year 1975.'
