Contact: Suzanne Ward, Georgia Right to Life, 770-891-8320

NORCROSS, Ga., March 1, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- GRTL President Dan Becker today thanked the House of Representatives for taking a significant step toward protecting the preborn.

"Passing the fetal pain bill took courage," Becker said, "I commend those who saw through the confusion and misinformation spread by its opponents."

HB 954, known as the "Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act," bans all abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. There is however, an exception to protect the life of the mother. Similar measures have been approved in six other states.

"There is well-documented scientific evidence that a fetus feels and responds to pain at 20 weeks," Becker added, "This bill ensures that horrific late-term abortions will not be performed in our state."

Noting that Georgia is second in the nation in late term abortions, Becker said the bill will save the lives of well over 1,000 babies per year.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Doug McKillip (District 115), now goes to the Senate.

Georgia Right to Life promotes respect and effective legal protection for all human life from its earliest biological beginning through natural death. GRTL is one of a number of organizations that have adopted Personhood as the most effective pro-life strategy for the 21st century.