Democratic Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams sparked backlash after claiming “there is no such thing as a heartbeat at six weeks.”
Abrams could be heard making the comment on stage next to other speakers.
“It is a manufactured sound designed to convince people that men have the right to take control of a woman’s body,” Abrams said.
Watch the video below:
Abrams’ argument prompted several Twitter users to express their outrage with it.
Republican Texas U.S. House candidate Irene Armendariz-Jackson tweeted, “This statement is an evil lie.”
Pro-life activist Lila Rose called Abrams’ comment “anti-science. Anti-truth. Anti-human.”
She added, “One of the consequences of the pro-Abortion mindset is that is that it demands frequent and obvious lying from its adherents.”
Another user accused Abrams of “pushing a theory here that ultrasound machines, used in hospitals now all over the world, were designed by a cabal of men, to manufacture a sound beat on purpose, in order to convince women to keep unwanted pregnancies. This is beyond QAnon sh*t.”
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According to Healthline, a fetal heartbeat can be detected as early as 5 1/2 to 6 weeks after gestation.
Over the weekend, Abrams told CNN Abortion rights in Georgia are “going to be front and center in the conversation” while campaigning against Republican rival, Gov. Brian Kemp.
“Women deserve full citizenship in the United States and certainly in the state of Georgia, and they are being denied that because of Brian Kemp’s 6-week ban,” Abrams said.
She added, “We are driving not only doctors and nurses out of the state, we’re likely going to drive jobs away. And that should be terrifying to anyone regardless of your political persuasion.”
CNN noted Abrams is not in favor of any government restrictions on Abortion.
On Wednesday, Abrams told NBC News the reason she discusses Abortion rights is “because women need to know I understand the biology that apparently the governor does not.”
She continued, “That women are being told to make reproductive choices before they know they’re pregnant.”