Netflix Will 'Rethink' Filming in Georgia If 'Heartbeat' Abortion Law Goes Into Effect

Netflix may be ready to take its business elsewhere if Georgia's controversial abortion bill ever goes into effect.

Earlier this month, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed into law a measure which would ban abortions as soon as a heartbeat is detectable, as early as six weeks into a pregnancy. The so-called "heartbeat" bill is already poised for a legal challenge by the American Civil Liberties Union. However, if the bill goes into effect, Netflix's chief content officer Ted Sarandos has indicated that the company will reconsider filming original content in the peach state.

In a statement to Variety, Sarandos said, "We have many women working on productions in Georgia, whose rights, along with millions of others, will be severely restricted by this law. It's why we will work with the ACLU and others to fight it in court. Given the legislation has not yet been implemented, we'll continue to film there, while also supporting partners and artists who choose not to. Should it ever come into effect, we'd rethink our entire investment in Georgia."

Several of Netflix's original series have been filmed in Georgia, including Stranger Things, Ozark, Insatiable, and the upcoming Raising Dion.

In recent years, the Atlanta area has become a hot spot for Hollywood productions thanks to the state's tax incentives, which have courted high-profile TV series like The Walking Dead and blockbusters likeThe Hunger Games and Avengers: Endgame. So although several other states have passed or are considering similarly restrictive abortion laws, Georgia's bill has become a focal point for many in the film and television industry.

Shortly after the bill's passage, J.J. Abrams and Jordan Peele vowed to donate proceeds from their HBO TV series Lovecraft Countryto fighting the law alongside the ACLU and Fair Fight Georgia, a voter education and turnout organization in the area. Meanwhile, director Reed Morano decided to pull production of her upcoming Amazon series The Power from Georgia just days after Kemp signed the bill into law.