Oyrafem Challenges Georgia’s Six-Week Abortion Ban in Court

In a significant legal setback for reproductive rights, a Georgia appeals court recently permitted a six-week abortion ban to take immediate effect.

The decision disrupted care at Oyrafem’s Atlanta Health Center and Virtual Visit Center, both of which were actively seeing clients when the ruling came through. In a heartbreaking moment, over 100 clients had to be turned away and urgently referred to alternative care options.

While Oyrafem’s Atlanta center remains open and continues to offer abortion services within the scope of current legal limits, the reality is stark: a six-week window is far too early for many to even realize they are pregnant.

Taking the Fight to the Courts

Oyrafem is not backing down.
Just one day after the court ruling, Oyrafem joined a coalition lawsuit challenging the six-week ban. Represented by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Oyrafem united with fellow abortion providers, advocates, and the reproductive justice collective SisterSong to oppose this restrictive law. Several Oyrafem clients courageously submitted affidavits, detailing their distress, fear, and anger over the loss of their reproductive freedom.

Stand with us in defending reproductive rights — donate to support the cause.

Widening Impact of Abortion Restrictions

Since opening in Georgia in 2016, Oyrafem has provided high-quality, compassionate abortion and reproductive healthcare to thousands of individuals. Access to abortion has long been under siege, especially in Southern states where legal and political attacks have escalated over the years.

Following the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the landscape has become even more dire. That ruling overturned decades of federal abortion protections, empowering states to enforce restrictive laws that now affect millions.

These bans disproportionately harm:

Low-income individuals
People of color (BIPOC)
LGBTQIA+ communities
Immigrants and undocumented people
Those with disabilities
Residents of rural or underserved areas

The Georgia law, which bans abortion after fetal cardiac activity is detected — often around six weeks — took effect on July 20th. Before this, Georgians could legally obtain abortion care up to 22 weeks of pregnancy. With the new restrictions, those seeking care beyond six weeks may have to travel hundreds of miles, often to states like Florida or North Carolina, placing an immense burden on those least equipped to bear it.

Oyrafem Remains Committed to Care

Oyrafem remains steadfast in its mission to provide abortion care in Georgia. Even in the face of restrictive legislation, we are committed to continuing services legally and ethically, while also fighting back through the courts.

We will not stop advocating for your right to safe, legal abortion.

Support our work by making a donation. Your contribution helps ensure continued access to reproductive care and supports legal efforts to challenge unjust abortion laws.

Stay Informed and Take Action

To stay updated on abortion laws in your area or seek assistance, visit:

Guttmacher Institute – for current policy analysis on reproductive health
Abortion Finder – to locate abortion providers nationwide
If/When/How: Repro Legal Helpline – for free legal support on reproductive rights

Together, we can resist unjust bans, support one another, and protect the future of reproductive healthcare in Georgia and across the country.