AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39, Chapter 15; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to women's health.
Impact
If enacted, SB1728 would significantly impact women's health laws in Tennessee by tightening restrictions on abortion procedures. It specifies that abortions may only be conducted by licensed physicians in very limited circumstances, which could affect the availability and accessibility of abortion services. The classification of criminal abortion as a Class C felony imposes severe penalties on those who violate these provisions, thereby aligning legal consequences with the bill's stipulations regarding lawful abortions.
Summary
Senate Bill 1728 is legislation aimed at amending certain sections of the Tennessee Code related to women's health, specifically focusing on the circumstances under which abortions can be legally performed. The bill establishes that a person may commit the offense of criminal abortion if they perform or attempt to perform an abortion without the involvement of a licensed physician who has determined that the procedure is necessary either for the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman or in the case of pregnancies resulting from specified aggressive crimes. This means that abortions not adhering to these guidelines would lead to felony charges.
Contention
The bill is likely to spark considerable debate within the legislature and among the public. Supporters might argue that it enhances protections for women and provides clear guidelines for medical professionals regarding when abortions can be performed without legal repercussion. However, opponents could view the bill as an infringement on women's rights to make decisions concerning their own health and body. This contention could heighten discussions about reproductive rights and health care in the state, particularly in the context of national debates surrounding abortion access.