A powerful testimony on the urgent need for reform in Georgia's abortion laws took center stage at the Urban Affairs Committee meeting on June 24, 2025. Casey Murushak, a grieving mother, shared her harrowing experience following the loss of her baby, highlighting the dangerous consequences of restrictive legislation on women's health care.

Murushak's emotional account detailed how, after discovering her daughter no longer had a heartbeat, she faced a healthcare system that offered little support due to the state's stringent abortion laws. "My care was limited to a list of abortion clinics," she explained, emphasizing the lack of guidance and follow-up care during her time of grief. Despite experiencing severe symptoms, she was discharged from the emergency department without treatment, illustrating the dire need for medical exceptions in such crises.

"My story is not unique," Murushak stated, urging lawmakers to recognize the broader implications of their policies. She called for legal clarity that would empower doctors to act swiftly when a woman's health is at risk, rather than waiting until it is too late. "The government does not belong in women's health care," she asserted, advocating for a system that prioritizes the well-being of women and their families.

Murushak's poignant plea resonated with committee members, as she vowed to continue speaking out until meaningful change is achieved. Her testimony serves as a stark reminder of the real-life impacts of political decisions on personal health and the urgent need for reform in Georgia's healthcare policies.