DOWNTOWN | Abortion debate flares in Ga. legislature | News

ATLANTA -- As a Republican lawmaker seeks to tighten rules on when a woman can get an abortion, a Democratic lawmaker is protesting the move by introducing a bill limiting vasectomies.

There are significant hurdles for either bill passing this year, but they illustrate the divide over the contentious issue.

Legislation by Republican Rep. Doug McKillip would add restrictions on abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. McKillip said that's the point when a fetus feels pain.

Women can get abortions in Georgia during their first and second trimesters of pregnancy. Abortions in the third trimester are limited to cases where a pregnancy threatens a mother's life or health.

Democratic Rep. Yasmin Neal said Tuesday she opposes the Republican bill and plans to introduce legislation that would similarly restrict vasectomies for men.