AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 37; Title 39; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to abortion.
Impact
If enacted, HB0778 would significantly alter the legal landscape surrounding abortion in Tennessee, tightening restrictions and establishing a legal framework that penalizes providers performing elective abortions. This amendment would replace existing provisions, categorizing elective abortions as a criminal act, thereby increasing legal risks for healthcare providers. This change could lead to more stringent operational protocols for medical professionals, reshaping the standard practices surrounding reproductive health care in the state.
Summary
House Bill 778 (HB0778) is legislation aimed at amending various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated concerning the definition and regulation of abortion. The bill specifically delineates 'elective abortion' as any abortion that is not medically necessary. It proposes that a medically necessary abortion can only be performed under strict conditions, primarily aimed at preserving the life of the mother or preventing severe health risks. Notably, the bill excludes mental health considerations from the criteria that justify a medically necessary abortion, which has raised concerns among various advocacy groups.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB0778 is sharply divided. Supporters, primarily composed of conservative lawmakers and anti-abortion advocates, argue that the bill is necessary to protect unborn lives and align state law with their moral convictions. Conversely, opponents, including reproductive rights advocates and some healthcare professionals, criticize the bill as an infringement on women's rights to make autonomous healthcare decisions. They emphasize the potential negative impacts on women's health and the loss of necessary medical discretion for healthcare providers.
Contention
A major point of contention in the discussions surrounding HB0778 centers on the exclusion of mental health as a valid reason for obtaining a medically necessary abortion. Critics argue this exclusion not only undermines the complexities of women's health care but could also endanger patients by restricting access to abortion services in situations where mental health critically impacts their overall well-being. The debate thus reflects broader ideological conflicts over reproductive rights and the extent of government involvement in personal health decisions.
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.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 29; Title 33; Title 37; Title 39; Title 40; Title 53; Title 56; Title 62; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to women's health.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 29; Title 33; Title 37; Title 39; Title 40; Title 53; Title 56; Title 62; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to women's health.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 9; 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 9; 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.