Controversial human life amendment gets hearing

Lawmakers are holding hearings this week on a controversial resolution that seeks to give fertilized eggs the same protection as a person. Known as the human life amendment, groups opposing abortion call HR 536 their best shot at overturning Roe v. Wade and making abortions illegal in Georgia. Oponents say the amendment could impact not only abortion rights, but curb fertility treatment and birth control because it says the right to life begins at fertilization. Republican House Speaker Glenn Richardson has said that he does not like the measure as it is written, because it could do away with the death penalty. Georgia Right To Life issued a robo call last week criticizing Richardson for his stance. Meanwhile Georgia’s Catholic Bishops oppose the amendment as well saying it is an unrealistic way to reduce or prevent abortions. The hearings will continue Wednesday at the capitol. To make it onto the ballot in November HR 536 would need a two thirds majority in both the state house and senate.