The Tennessee Statehouse approved a bill making it illegal for adults to help minors get an abortion without parental consent, a measure likely to face legal challenges if signed into law by Governor Bill Lee. Despite Lee’s previous support for abortion bans, he has not publicly commented on this particular proposal. Reproductive rights advocates are expected to seek legal action to block the law’s enforcement. Last year, Idaho enacted a similar law, but it was temporarily blocked by a federal judge after challenges from reproductive rights groups.
The legislation in Tennessee would prohibit adults from assisting pregnant minors in obtaining abortions without parental consent, with exceptions for certain emergency or medical personnel. Violators could face a Class A misdemeanor charge, leading to nearly a year of imprisonment. The bill’s House sponsor, Republican Rep. Jason Zachary, cited instances of adults transporting minors across state lines for abortions and argued that the law protects parental rights. Critics point out that the bill lacks exemptions for minors who may have been raped by their parents, and it prohibits civil action by the biological father in cases of rape-induced pregnancy.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, has criticized the Tennessee bill through an advertising campaign, depicting a young woman handcuffed to a hospital bed and crying for help after a sexual assault. Tennessee currently prohibits abortions at all stages of pregnancy, with exceptions for certain medical conditions. A group of women is suing to clarify the state’s abortion ban, and a court decision is pending to determine if the lawsuit can proceed. Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of the constitutional right to abortion, anti-abortion advocates have been pushing for state-level restrictions.
During debates on the bill, Democratic Rep. Aftyn Behn called it a direct attack on vulnerable minors seeking abortion care. The bill’s focus on preventing adults from assisting minors in obtaining abortions without parental consent has drawn criticism for its potential impact on victims of sexual assault. While supporters argue that the law protects parental rights and prevents illicit transportation across state lines for abortions, opponents argue that it fails to consider the circumstances of rape-induced pregnancies. A court decision on the legality of the law is expected soon, as it highlights the ongoing battle over abortion rights in the wake of changes at the federal level.
The passing of the bill in Tennessee reflects a national trend of state-level efforts to restrict access to abortion following changes in federal regulations. Overturning the constitutional right to abortion has prompted states to pursue measures to limit pregnant individuals’ ability to seek abortion care. Legal challenges are likely to arise in Tennessee and other states implementing similar restrictions, as advocacy groups continue to fight for reproductive rights and access to safe and legal abortion care. Governor Lee’s decision to sign or veto the bill will have significant implications for abortion rights and access in the state of Tennessee.
