The ruling was reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Monday.

Fulton County Superior Judge Robert McBurney made the pivotal ruling, which now permits abortions in the state up to approximately 22 weeks of pregnancy. In his order, Judge McBurney emphasized the importance of fetal viability, noting that society can only intervene once it is capable of taking care and responsibility for the separate life of a viable fetus.

This change stems from the state Supreme Court's decision to send the law back to Fulton County last year for re-evaluation, during which the six-week abortion ban remained effective. The contested law specifically targeted abortions after the detection of cardiac activity in an embryo, generally detectable around the sixth week of pregnancy—a point at which many individuals may still be unaware of their pregnancy.

The recent ruling marks a significant shift in the legal landscape of reproductive rights in Georgia and underscores the ongoing judicial discourse surrounding the issue. As this developing story unfolds, it is clear the implications will be closely monitored both locally and nationally.