Ossoff chairs hearing on impact of Georgia abortion laws

ATLANTA, Georgia (WRDW/WAGT) – Senator Jon Ossoff continued his investigation into Georgia’s abortion ban as an official human rights subcommittee met in downtown Atlanta.

Georgia’s ban on abortions within the sixth week of pregnancy and due to heartbeat is considered one of the most restrictive in the country.

“It is critical that the public hear directly from the health care providers and women in the state of Georgia who are denied basic health care because of our state’s abortion ban,” Ossoff said.

While there are a few exceptions, doctors could be charged with a crime and face up to ten years in prison if they perform a procedure that does not meet the requirements.

Gynecologist Carrie Cwiak testified at Monday’s hearing that her patients were experiencing complications such as sepsis and bleeding because their doctors were not allowed to perform medically necessary abortions due to the ban in Georgia.

“Health care is on hold while we seek legal clarity. As a result, patients may be denied timely and effective care,” Cwiak said.

Yasmein Ziyad testified that during a miscarriage her doctor told her she needed to have an abortion, but under Georgia law he could not perform the operation.

“I was unable to get the care I needed that would have saved me from so much pain and suffering. Because of what I went through, we gave up hope of ever getting pregnant again,” Ziyad said.

Zemmie Fleck of the pro-life organization Georgia Right to Life said she followed the hearing. She remains firmly convinced that the ban protects the sanctity of life. She wants the state to protect children even better by amending the right to privacy.

“A pregnancy is often a fine line between life and death for the mother or the child. What medical care can the doctor offer the unborn child as a patient? What can the doctor do? He can ensure that the child’s life continues or that the child dies a natural death,” said Fleck.

In his closing argument, Ossoff thanked the women for their testimony.

“I am grateful to each of you for sharing your experiences and expertise with us today. As we heard from Dr. Cwiak, these brave women who testified here today are not alone. This abortion ban causes unnecessary health complications for women across the state and, as we heard today, forces women with high-risk or non-viable pregnancies to either continue them or leave the state to receive medical care,” he said.

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