Tennessee House Bill HB1729

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/11/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39, Chapter 15; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to women's health.

Impact

If enacted, HB1729 will significantly influence state laws surrounding abortion procedures. By criminalizing abortions done outside of the defined exceptions, the law could limit access to essential health services for women, particularly those who may be unable to report crimes such as rape or incest. Furthermore, the requirement for a physician to verify the patient's report to law enforcement before proceeding with an abortion could create additional barriers to access, particularly concerning the mental health exceptions highlighted in the bill. Overall, the act aims to tighten regulations on abortion in Tennessee, aligning with a national trend of similar legislative actions.

Summary

House Bill 1729 aims to amend several sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically addressing women's health and the legal status of abortion. The bill redefines what constitutes a 'criminal abortion' and establishes that such an act can only be performed by a licensed physician under specific circumstances. Notably, abortions can only be lawfully conducted if deemed necessary to protect the physical or mental health of the patient, or if the pregnancy resulted from severe criminal acts such as aggravated rape or incest. This legislative change is part of a broader consideration of women's reproductive rights in Tennessee.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB1729 appears to be heavily polarized. Supporters of the bill argue that it is a necessary measure to protect women's health by ensuring that abortions are conducted in safe and regulated circumstances, endorsed by medical professionals. Conversely, critics contend that the bill is overly restrictive and undermines a woman's autonomy over her reproductive choices, emphasizing the potential psychological impacts of enforcing criminal penalties for women seeking abortions. The emotional and ethical complexities surrounding the topic of abortion have prompted heated debates among lawmakers and the public alike.

Contention

A contentious point within HB1729 is the balance between protecting women's health and restricting access to necessary medical procedures. Many opponents express concerns that the requirements imposed by the bill – specifically the need for law enforcement reporting and the classification of criminal abortion – will create a chilling effect, deterring women from seeking abortions even in legitimate circumstances. Furthermore, the classification of criminal abortion as a Class C felony represents a legal jeopardy that could severely affect both medical practitioners and women, posing questions around legal rights and ethical responsibilities in reproductive health care.