Tennessee House Bill HB1296

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Refer: 2/2/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 68, Chapter 1, relative to long-acting reversible contraceptives.

Impact

If enacted, HB1296 would require all family planning centers in Tennessee to provide LARCs at no cost and ensure that these contraceptives are available for immediate access. This could lead to significant advancements in women’s health and reproductive rights within the state. The amendment to the existing law promotes a proactive approach to family planning, potentially decreasing the rates of unintended pregnancies and improving overall public health outcomes.

Summary

House Bill 1296 aims to amend the Tennessee Code regarding long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). The proposed legislation focuses specifically on ensuring that these contraceptives are available for same-day access at family planning centers across the state, at no charge to patients. This change is intended to enhance accessibility to LARCs, which are crucial for individuals seeking effective and long-term methods of contraception without the barriers of cost and availability.

Contention

While the bill presents a positive step toward reproductive health access, it may face opposition surrounding funding and resource allocation. Concerns could arise regarding the financial implications for family planning centers and whether the state can adequately support this initiative without compromising other health services. Additionally, debates may emerge over the appropriateness of state involvement in individual healthcare decisions, which may spur discussions on personal autonomy and reproductive rights.