ATLANTA — Netflix says it will help the ACLU and other groups fight Georgia’s heartbeat abortion law. And if it goes into effect, they say they will rethink their investment in the state.
If Netflix decided to pull out of Georgia entirely, studios including Third Rail would be affected. Netflix shoots a lot of their original series in this state, from “Ozark” to “Stranger Things.”
[READ: Producer Ron Howard says he will boycott Georgia if abortion law takes effect]
Netflix's Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos told Channel 2 Political Reporter Richard Elliot that Netflix may rethink its entire investment in Georgia because of the bill.
Sarandos sent Elliot a statement, saying:
[READ: Peele, Abrams to shoot HBO drama in Georgia, donate fees to fight ‘heartbeat' bill]
"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."
The new law essentially bans abortions after six weeks of pregnancy but makes exceptions for rape, incest and the mother's health.
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Elliot spoke with the ACLU of Georgia’s Andrea Young shortly after Netflix made issued their statement.
“I’m very pleased to hear that Netflix is joining other Georgia film producers in helping us fight this unconstitutional abortion ban,” Young said. “We want to make sure that we’re going to fight this ban and we need all the help we can get so we appreciate people who want to make that commitment.”
Last week, Gov. Brian Kemp toured the Georgia Film Academy and reiterated the state's commitment to keeping the lucrative film tax credits
[READ: Alyssa Milano, movie industry take 'Heartbeat Bill' fight to state Capitol]
His office had no comment Monday, but just last week, the head of Georgia's film office, Lee Thomas, told Elliot she believes those tax credits will keep filmmakers happy.
“I think the future here is still great. I mean, we still have got this incentive package to sell that we’ve been selling successfully for 10 years,” Thomas said.
Young said their lawsuit is difficult because of the complexities of Georgia’s law.
[READ: Hollywood's influence comes into focus in Georgia as celebrities slam abortion law]
“Georgia’s law is much more complicated than any of the other laws that have passed in the South, so we want to make sure that we are making the best possible legal challenge,” Young told Elliot.
Young said their lawsuit should be ready to file by the end of summer around August or September.
The heartbeat law is set to take effect in January.