Kemp Refuses to Say Where He Stands on Future Abortion Restrictions in Georgia

Within the closing gubernatorial debate between Republican Gov. Brian Kemp of Georgia and Democratic challenger Stacey Abrams, Kemp refused to debate whether or not he would signal additional abortion restrictions into regulation ought to voters grant him a second time period in workplace.

Throughout the debate on Sunday, Kemp said it was not his “want” to go “any additional” on abortion restrictions, however added that he would “look into” the opportunity of including restrictions “when the time comes.”

“I’m not going to say sure or no to any particular piece of laws with out seeing precisely what it’s doing,” he said.

Throughout the earlier debate, nonetheless, Kemp claimed he wouldn’t back anything beyond the state’s current restrictions, which ban abortions after six weeks of being pregnant — so early on in a being pregnant that many individuals don’t but know they’re pregnant.

That ban, which Kemp signed into law in 2019, is likely one of the most restrictive within the nation, making exceptions solely when an individual’s life is in danger or in instances of rape or incest. Within the latter case, an individual is required to file a police report earlier than they’re allowed to endure the process.

Abrams, who misplaced to Kemp by solely a small margin within the 2018 gubernatorial race, blasted the governor for his response.

“Let’s be clear, he didn’t say he wouldn’t” enact additional abortion restrictions, Abrams said throughout the debate.

She then reminded viewers that “below the regulation that [Kemp] signed girls can be investigated for miscarriages.”

Kemp has additionally signaled that he would be open to banning birth control in Georgia if given the possibility as governor. In feedback that had been caught on a scorching mic in September, the Republican governor mentioned it could “[depend] on the place the legislatures are” throughout the subsequent session.

“You could possibly take up just about something however you bought to be within the legislative session to do this,” Kemp went on. “I feel, I’d must verify and see as a result of there are lots of legalities.”