Ban on selling aborted fetal tissue passes Georgia House

On Wednesday, a bill banning the sale of aborted fetal tissue passed the Georgia House of Representatives by a 119-51 vote.

The bill would directly prohibit the sale of fetal tissue, but would allow donation of fetal tissue for research purposes.

Georgia already has laws in place requiring aborted fetal tissue either cremated or buried, but the bill’s sponsor, State Rep. Wendell Willard, argues that new laws are needed to clarify the issue. Willard says the bill was inspired by recent investigations of Planned Parenthood, which discovered high-ranking Planned Parenthood officials discussing the price of aborted fetal tissue.

In addition to the ban on the sale of aborted fetal tissue, the Georgia House also voted in favor of legislation that would require the Juvenile Court and Administrative Office of the Courts to gather and report statistics about girls 17 younger who seek an abortion without notifying their parents. The bill’s sponsor, State Rep. Joyce Chandler, explained:

As a state, we require certain statistical data be reported on various medical procedures and court procedures. That’s just what this bill does. We want to ensure we’re receiving accurate facts about Georgia’s young women and their health decisions.

Both bills will now head to the Georgia Senate.