AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 38; Title 39; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to abortion.
Impact
The bill could lead to enhanced legal repercussions for medical professionals who perform abortions, impacting healthcare practices across Tennessee. By clearly defining the conditions under which an abortion is permitted, HB0101 aims to tighten control over abortion procedures, which could result in fewer legal abortions being conducted in the state. The amendment also includes a provision related to instances of aggravated rape, specifying that physicians can perform abortions in these cases, provided that the victim reports the crime to the authorities. This creates a legal requirement that may deter patients from seeking necessary medical procedures due to the fear of additional legal processes.
Summary
House Bill 0101 seeks to amend the existing Tennessee Code regarding abortion and the conditions under which it may be legally performed. The bill classifies performing or attempting an abortion as a Class C felony, thereby criminalizing the act except under specific circumstances. The proposed amendments stipulate that abortions can only be conducted by licensed physicians who determine, based on their medical judgment, that the procedure is necessary to prevent the death of the pregnant woman or serious and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function. This stipulation places significant restrictions on when and how abortions can be performed in the state, particularly concerning the physician's assessment in emergencies.
Contention
Opposition to HB0101 arises from concerns about women’s rights and access to healthcare. Critics argue that the bill's strict penalties and limitations on abortion access violate women's autonomy and health rights. There are fears that it may disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, particularly those who are victims of sexual violence, by adding legal hurdles before they can access abortion services. Advocates for reproductive rights express concerns that the requirement for law enforcement reporting may not only discourage reporting of rapes but also compound the trauma experienced by survivors, thus raising ethical questions regarding the bill's implications on public health and individual rights.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 29; Title 33; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 53; Title 56; Title 62; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to abortion.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 29; Title 33; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 53; Title 56; Title 62; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to abortion.