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The news regarding Mississippi and Georgia’s abortion laws are evolving daily. If you are pregnant and have any questions about the latest abortion law information in your state, please do not hesitate to call Adoptions With Love. We work with expectant mothers nationwide and can help you learn about the unplanned pregnancy options in your area.
There have been many states making headlines over the past year due to significant and startling changes in their abortion laws. Texas became the focus in September, when Governor Gregg Abbott signed a bill into law that banned abortion after six weeks of pregnancy. Like Texas, Georgia and Mississippi are facing potential changes to their abortion laws, which would impact many expectant mothers facing an unplanned pregnancy. If you are pregnant and living in these states, you may be wondering what the changes to the Georgia abortion laws and Mississippi abortion laws will mean for you:
- How will the potential changes affect your future?
- What will you do about your pregnancy?
- What are your options as an expectant mother?
It is important to know that, even though abortion is becoming harder to access, you still have options. Read on, as we break down the potential changes to the Georgia abortion laws and Mississippi abortion laws, and the many options still available for expectant/birth mothers.
The Changes to Georgia Abortion Laws and What They Mean
In February 2022, Republican lawmakers in Georgia advanced a bill that would ban the delivery of abortion pills by mail and require women to be examined by a physician – in person – before the pills were distributed. Those in favor of the bill say that a drug-induced abortion can lead to complications, hence the need for doctors to closely monitor patients in person. Those against the bill argue that the procedure is low risk, and the bill’s intended goal is to limit access to abortions.
As of this writing, the proposed bill still needs approval from the state Senate and House before it could become law.
Right now, abortion pills can be prescribed in Georgia 24-hours after a telemedicine appointment with a doctor or someone working with a physician. Under the new bill, doctors would need to examine the patient in-person and conduct an ultrasound before prescribing the abortion pill. The patient would also need to have a follow-up visit between 7-14 days after the drug was consumed.
The proposed bill would also ban abortion pills from being distributed at secondary schools, colleges, and universities in Georgia. This could limit many college students from accessing the support they deserve. According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC), unplanned pregnancies are most common among young women between 18 to 24 years old, around college age.
The Changes to Mississippi Abortion Laws and What They Mean
Protesters on both sides of the aisle have been rallying in Mississippi over a potential change to Mississippi abortion laws. The law would ban most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. This law change has caused a national uproar with the Supreme Court currently weighing the controversial decision.
Hundreds of demonstrators have been seen rallying over the past few months in a decision that could determine the fate of the court’s historic 1973 Roe v. Wade decision regarding abortion.
According to the Associated Press, a final decision will likely be unknown until June, but many conservative justices have implied they would uphold the law.
All of these changes have left much uncertainty among patients and providers in Georgia and Mississippi, leaving them wondering what their options are. If you are facing an unexpected pregnancy in Georgia or Mississippi, it is important to know that you still have options.
Is Abortion Still an Option in Georgia & Mississippi?
In light of these changes to the laws in both states, it is important to clarify what choices women have in regard to abortion. The three, basic choices remain for expectant/birth mothers in the state:
- Abortion
- Adoption
- Parenthood
Georgia Abortion Laws
In Georgia, expectant mothers who do not wish to carry their child to term may opt for termination up to the 20th week of pregnancy (22 weeks after the last menstruation). Abortions may be performed at 20 weeks only in cases of life endangerment, severely compromised physical health or lethal fetal anomaly. Public funding is available for abortions only in cases of life endangerment, rape or incest. The abortion pill can still be administered after a telephone call with a physician, but the proposed change to the law may change that process to require an in-person visit.
Mississippi Abortion Laws
In Mississippi, most abortions are illegal after 15 weeks of pregnancy – about two months earlier than Roe and later decisions allow. If termination is requested earlier than 15 weeks gestation, it may be an option for those who wish to have one.
Adoption is an Option in Georgia & Mississippi
Another option for women facing an unplanned pregnancy in Georgia and Mississippi is adoption.
Adoption is a positive choice for anyone who is not yet ready to parent. Making this choice can be difficult, but it can also bring peace of mind – knowing your child is going to be placed in a safe, stable, and loving home. It also gives birth parents the opportunity to work toward their own personal and professional goals.
Thanks to open adoption, many expectant/birth mothers know that their choice to lovingly place their child with adoption does not mean “goodbye forever.” In fact, it is just the beginning. With an open adoption plan, you can arrange to meet with your child’s adoptive family from time-to-time or receive phone calls or emails with updates. Open adoption is an option in both Georgia and Mississippi, as well, if you work with an open adoption agency.
Common Misconceptions Surrounding Adoption
Adoption has progressed over the past several years. It is no longer a secretive and taboo subject. Many children today who were adopted know about their adoption and understand their birth mothers’ choice. In fact, most adoptions today are open or semi-open, and 90 percent of children report having positive feelings about their circumstances. Adoptive families today are encouraged to speak openly with children about their adoption, share age-appropriate information, and celebrate their child’s unique story of being loved by two families instead of one.
The terms “give up for adoption” or “put up for adoption” are dated and no longer used in modern adoption. It is clear to the adoption community that adoption is anything but “giving up.” It is a brave, loving, and selfless choice to make in the best interest of your child. It allows your child to have a bright future, full of love and opportunity, even if you cannot be a parent at this time.
Another common misconception surrounding adoption is the notion that open adoption means co-parenting your child. Having an open adoption means there is ongoing communication between birth and adoptive parents, but it does not mean that a birth parent has any parental rights to the child.
Pregnant in Georgia or Mississippi? Find the Support You Deserve
At Adoptions With Love, we understand that facing an unplanned pregnancy is hard. The ongoing changes to abortion laws in Georgia, Mississippi, and other states are confusing and we know that it can be difficult to have a grasp of what your rights are as an expectant/birth parent.
No matter where you are in your pregnancy, it is important to remember that you have options and you can get the support you deserve during this difficult time in your life. Adoptions With Love supports expectant/birth parents no matter what decision they make regarding their pregnancy. We offer guidance and assistance – free of judgment, criticism, or bias. If you wish, we can help you create an adoption plan in Georgia or an adoption plan in Mississippi. We can discuss your options with you and connect you with the resources and support you need to make this important decision for yourself and your child. We are here for you, no questions asked.
If you would like to learn more about adoption or your choices in this journey, do not hesitate to contact Adoptions With Love. We can discuss your options and will listen to you – and always free of charge.
Call us any time at 800-722-7731, text us confidentially at 617-777-0072, or contact us online. We can help guide you through the adoption journey every step of the way.