A little-known measure on Republican ballots would express support for a ban on all abortions. Critics say the way it defines life could even affect things like invetro fertilization and stem cell research.
Georgia Right to Life calls it the life amendment. Question number 5 on Republican ballots is non-binding, but expresses support for a constitutional amendment outlawing all abortions, including after rape and incest. It says right to life starts at "his or her earliest biological beginning."
"It's a much broader issue and we need to protect all life at all levels," said Suzanne Ward of Georgia Right to Life.
Dr. Andrew Toledo, who calls himself pro-life conservative, is strongly against the life amendment. He's been an infertility specialist for nearly 30 years.
"This is not to me and people like me a pro-life, pro-choice issue," said Toledo.
Toledo says the life amendment would put the whole field of invetro fertilization at risk because multiple embryos are necessary to get a healthy baby.
"It leaves a huge moral, ethical quandary for the couple and, in my opinion, it's a decision the couple should be making, not government," said Toledo.
The editor of popular conservative blog Peach Pundit wrote an editorial denouncing the Life Amendment as "designed to divide."
Regardless of what voters decide on question 5, it won't change Georgia law.
"What we hope to do is get the attention of our Georgia legislators and let them know that the broad scope of Georgia is pro-life," said Ward.
Only Republican ballots will have question on July 31. Even if it passes it doesn't actually do anything, the Georgia legislature would have to take up the issue.
Similar amendments have stirred up controversy but failed in states like Mississippi and Oklahoma.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:17 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:17:01 GMT
The wives of Atlanta police and firefighters have put up billboards telling Mayor Kasim Reed and the Atlanta City Council to give their spouses a pay raise.
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Parents are asking about the safety of the schools in the event of a tornado after the devastation suffered in Moore, Okla.
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Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:24 PM EDT2013-05-21 21:24:51 GMT
Southern Baptists in metro Atlanta are doing their part to assist victims of Tuesday's violent twisters.
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A Douglasville family is asking for help to try to find their missing daughter. Jacqueline Bryant, 15, was last seen on April 12 and now she's the subject of a nationwide alert.
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Tuesday, May 21 2013 3:35 PM EDT2013-05-21 19:35:07 GMT
Tea party groups and Georgia Republican leaders are gathered at the state Capitol on Tuesday to protest the targeting of conservative groups by the Internal Revenue Service.
Tea party groups and Georgia Republican leaders are gathered at the state Capitol on Tuesday to protest the targeting of conservative groups by the Internal Revenue Service.
A little-known measure on Republican ballots would express support for a ban on all abortions.
