Tennessee Republican lawmakers recently advanced legislation that would make it illegal for adults to help minors get an abortion without parental consent. The bill passed in the GOP-controlled Senate by a vote of 26-3 and is now moving through the House. Opponents of the bill, mostly Democrats, argue that this legislation could force young victims of rape or incest to seek approval from their abusive parents in order to terminate their pregnancies, which they believe is crossing a line.
After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to abortion in 2022, anti-abortion advocates have been working to find ways to restrict access to abortion services, including preventing pregnant individuals from crossing state lines to obtain the procedure. Idaho has implemented a law known as “abortion trafficking,” which makes it illegal to help a minor obtain an abortion without parental consent or knowledge. Similar legislation has been introduced in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and now Tennessee, with the goal of limiting access to abortion services for minors.
The Tennessee bill would prohibit adults from assisting a pregnant minor in getting an abortion without the consent of the minor’s parents or guardians. Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to protect parental rights, especially as abortion rights groups provide information on how to access abortions in states with strict bans. Critics of the bill point out that there are no exemptions for minors who may have been raped by their parents or guardians, and the legislation also prevents the biological father from pursuing a civil action in cases of rape.
Under the Senate version of the bill, those convicted of breaking the law would face a Class A misdemeanor, which could result in nearly a year of imprisonment. The House is considering a proposal to increase the penalties to a Class C felony, which could carry up to a 15-year prison sentence and fines up to $10,000. Tennessee currently bans abortions at all stages of pregnancy, with some exemptions for certain medical conditions and to save the life of the pregnant person. However, the vague language of the law has led to legal challenges, with a group of women currently suing to clarify the state’s abortion ban.
Overall, the debate over the Tennessee legislation highlights the ongoing battle over abortion rights in the United States. While anti-abortion advocates are pushing for stricter restrictions to limit access to the procedure, opponents argue that these laws can place undue burdens on young victims of rape or incest who may need abortion services. As the legal battle continues, the decision on whether the Tennessee law will be allowed to proceed or be temporarily halted is pending, with implications for the future of abortion access in the state.
