Measure on GOP ballots would support ban on all abortions - Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5

A little-known measure on Republican ballots would express support for a ban on all abortions. Critics say the way it defines life could even affect things like invetro fertilization and stem cell research.

Georgia Right to Life calls it the life amendment. Question number 5 on Republican ballots is non-binding, but expresses support for a constitutional amendment outlawing all abortions, including after rape and incest. It says right to life starts at "his or her earliest biological beginning."

"It's a much broader issue and we need to protect all life at all levels," said Suzanne Ward of Georgia Right to Life.

Dr. Andrew Toledo, who calls himself pro-life conservative, is strongly against the life amendment. He's been an infertility specialist for nearly 30 years.

"This is not to me and people like me a pro-life, pro-choice issue," said Toledo.

Toledo says the life amendment would put the whole field of invetro fertilization at risk because multiple embryos are necessary to get a healthy baby.

"It leaves a huge moral, ethical quandary for the couple and, in my opinion, it's a decision the couple should be making, not government," said Toledo.

The editor of popular conservative blog Peach Pundit wrote an editorial denouncing the Life Amendment as "designed to divide."

Regardless of what voters decide on question 5, it won't change Georgia law.

"What we hope to do is get the attention of our Georgia legislators and let them know that the broad scope of Georgia is pro-life," said Ward.

Only Republican ballots will have question on July 31. Even if it passes it doesn't actually do anything, the Georgia legislature would have to take up the issue.  

Similar amendments have stirred up controversy but failed in states like Mississippi and Oklahoma.