In light of recent dystopian efforts to ban almost all abortions after just six weeks of pregnancy in Georgia, many people are speculating about a boycott. Specifically, Georgia is home to an enormous amount of film production; some celebrities, like Alyssa Milano, have suggested that they’ll stop filming in the state. So far, five production companies have said they’ll boycott the state.
Of course, this can come with harm to people who are not lawmakers; for example, the actual people of Georgia who work in this industry. The recent increase in filming there has helped its economy in no small way.
With this in mind, J.J. Abrams and Jordan Peele promise to donate proceeds from Lovecraft County, their new HBO series, to groups combating the “heartbeat” abortion ban. Specifically, this will include the American Civil Liberties Union and Fair Fight Georgia, Stacey Abrams’s group.
Meaning: Lovecraft is still being filmed in Georgia.
In a joint statement seen by The Hollywood Reporter, the two wrote, "In a few weeks we start shooting our new show, Lovecraft County, and will do so standing shoulder to shoulder with the women of Georgia.”
"Governor Kemp's 'Fetal Heartbeat' Abortion Law is an unconstitutional effort to further restrict women and their health providers from making private medical decisions on their terms. Make no mistake, this is an attack aimed squarely and purposely at women,” they continued in the statement.
Let’s do a quick review of just how horrible this ban would be if implemented. At six weeks, many people don’t even know they’re pregnant. Beyond that, this bill makes it a crime to seek an abortion outside of the state and makes even people who accompany the pregnant person (such as giving them a ride) accessories to murder. This law would also criminalize healthcare providers, like doctors and nurses, providing the procedure.
Brian Kemp signed the bill into law last Tuesday. As of now, it’s scheduled to go into effect in January 2020.
“We stand with Stacey Abrams and the hardworking people of Georgia,” the statement reads, “and will donate 100 percent of our respective episodic fees for this season to two organizations leading the charge against this draconian law: the ACLU of Georgia and Fair Fight Georgia. We encourage those who are able to funnel any and all resources to these organizations.”