Celebs Threaten State Over New Abortion Bill

Hollywood has Georgia on its mind—and not in a good way. Fifty actors have signed a petition threatening to urge film and TV production away from the state if it passes a new abortion bill, the Huffington Post reports. Alyssa Milano spearheaded the petition, which says "billions of dollars" in revenue are at stake. "We cannot in good conscience continue to recommend our industry remain in Georgia if H.B. 481 becomes law," it reads. That so-called "heartbeat" abortion bill bans abortions after a fetal heartbeat can be spotted, which means as early as six weeks, per the AP. Georgia women can currently seek abortions in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.

The bill would allow exceptions if the fetus has serious medical problems or in cases of incest or rape—as long as the woman has already filed a police report. The Georgia house gave the bill final passage Friday, so all it needs is the signature of GOP Gov. Brian Kemp. "Georgia values life," Kemp said Friday. "The legislature's bold action reaffirms our priorities and who we are as a state." Kentucky and Iowa have passed similar bills that were struck down by courts, notes the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. It's unclear how much power the petition has, but the Journal notes that "creative types do have some influence (if not real control) over where they work." (More abortion stories.)