Netflix says it will rethink its investment in Georgia if 'heartbeat' abortion law goes into effect

Source: CNBC

Netflix says it will continue to film in Georgia amid controversy surrounding the state's passage of an abortion law forbidding termination of a pregnancy after an indication of a heartbeat.

But the company said it would rethink its investment in Georgia should the bill go into effect. The statement comes as some in the film and TV industry have said they will boycott working in the state because of the law.

"We have many women working on productions in Georgia, whose rights, along with millions of others, will be severely restricted by this law," Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos in a statement sent to CNBC Tuesday. "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."

Last week, CNBC reported the state's up to 30% tax credits lured more than 450 film and television projects last fiscal year, driving more than $4.5 billion in wages and a greater than $9.5 billion economic impact, citing Georgia's governor's office. Projects included Disney's "Black Panther" and "Avengers: Infinity War," AMC's "The Walking Dead" and Netflix's "Ozark." Netflix has also shot shows including "Queer Eye" and "The Haunting of Hill House" in Georgia in recent years.

Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2019/05/28/netflix-would-rethink-investment-in-georgia-if-abortion-law-stands.html