Legislation restoring commonsense protections for women seeking an abortion in accordance with Amendment 1 adopted by voters last fall will become effective on July 1. The new law, sponsored by Senator Mae Beavers (R-Mt. Juliet), implements informed consent and a 48-hour waiting period before an abortion is performed in Tennessee.
“For too long, Tennessee has been an abortion destination in which women and girls considering abortion have been denied full information regarding the age and development of their unborn children, potential health risks associated with the procedure, and available resources to assist them during a difficult pregnancy,” said Senator Beavers. “As a result of passing Amendment 1, Tennesseans have spoken and this new law implements their decision by restoring balance to this state’s abortion policy.”
The Tennessee Supreme Court handed down a ruling in 2000 that went a step beyond the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark Roe v. Wade decision. That action struck down legislation passed by the Tennessee General Assembly that called for women to receive “informed consent” information about the surgery and to wait 48 hours before they receive an abortion. Beavers said that passage of Amendment 1 put Tennessee back in a position to require basic standards.
The Centers for Disease Control notes that one of four abortions in Tennessee are performed on women residing in another state, the third highest out-of-state abortion rate in the nation. Such numbers have resulted in Tennessee becoming known as an abortion destination.
“It was an honor to carry these bills and to stand up for the weak and defenseless in our state. I am very pleased that this law will be implemented for the protection of women and the unborn,” Beavers concluded.
