Tennessee House Bill HB1506

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Refer: 2/22/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to abortion.

Impact

The proposed amendment is expected to have a direct effect on how health facilities manage their protocols around abortion services. By reducing the timeframe in which certain actions must be completed, the bill is expected to accelerate decision-making and potentially increase access to abortion services. The implications of this change could resonate through the healthcare system, impacting how services are offered and administrated within the state.

Summary

House Bill 1506 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically focusing on provisions related to the timing requirements in abortion-related regulations. The legislation proposes a significant reduction in the time frame allowed for specific actions from ten business days to three business days. This change is intended to streamline processes related to abortion services, thereby potentially impacting both providers and patients in the state of Tennessee.

Contention

There may be contentious aspects of this bill due to the sensitive nature of abortion as a legislative issue. Supporters of the bill might argue that reducing the waiting period is essential for providing timely healthcare services to women. Conversely, opponents could argue that this amendment may undermine the necessary deliberation period for individuals making such significant decisions, raising ethical and moral concerns surrounding abortion.