The Urban Affairs Committee of the Georgia State Legislature convened on June 24, 2025, to address the significant impact of the state's six-week abortion ban on women's reproductive health care. This meeting coincided with the third anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade and enabled states like Georgia to implement restrictive abortion laws.

Committee members expressed deep concern over the consequences of these laws, citing tragic examples of women who have suffered due to the ban. The chair highlighted the cases of Amber Nicole Thurman and Candy Miller, emphasizing the real-life implications of the legislation. The chair also referenced a recent incident involving Republican congressman Kat Kamek, who faced delays in receiving necessary medical care due to Florida's similar abortion restrictions.

Despite the urgency of the topic, Georgia's Attorney General Chris Carr declined an invitation to attend the hearing, which the chair noted with disappointment. The committee's focus was on gathering testimonies from individuals affected by the abortion ban, including advocates and everyday Georgians, to shed light on the ongoing health care crisis for women in the state.

The first speaker, Shanette Williams, shared her personal connection to the issue, revealing that her daughter, Amber Nicole Thurman, was directly impacted by the political changes surrounding reproductive rights. The committee aims to continue hearing from various voices to understand the full scope of the law's effects on women's health care in Georgia.

This meeting underscores the ongoing debate surrounding reproductive rights in the state and the committee's commitment to addressing the concerns of its constituents.