3 production companies boycott Georgia after abortion ban

In this Tuesday, May 7, 2019, file photo, protesters rally outside of the Georgia State Capitol following the signing of HB 481, in Atlanta. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed legislation on Tuesday banning abortions once a fetal heartbeat can be detected. (AP)

ATLANTA (AP) — Executives from three production companies say they won’t film in Georgia because of the state’s “heartbeat” abortion ban.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports they include David Simon of Blown Deadline, Christine Vachon of Killer Films and Mark Duplass of Duplass Brothers Productions.

The boycotts aren’t likely to have an immediate effect because the companies don’t regularly work in Georgia.

Killer Films and Duplass Brothers Productions specialize in independent films. Simon’s company has produced HBO series he’s known for such as “The Wire.”

The Georgia law will ban abortions once a fetal heartbeat can be detected, usually around six weeks of pregnancy. Critics say it’s unconstitutional and have vowed to sue.

The Motion Picture Association of America represents major studios and is taking a wait-and-see approach. It said in a statement it was continuing to monitor developments.