Tennessee House Passes Pro-Life Bill for 48-Hour Waiting Period, Abortion Alternatives

The Tennessee state House this morning approved a pro-life bill that requires a 48-hour waiting period before an abortion so women considering an abortion can consider information on the development of their baby and alternatives to abortion. When passed in other states, such bills have successfully cut the number of abortions by helping pregnant women find alternatives.

The state House voted for House Bill 0977/Senate Bill 1222 by Rep. Matthew Hill & Rep. Debra Moody on a 79-18 vote.

Tennessee Right to Life strongly supports the legislation, which also requires licensing abortion clinics — a critical element of holding shady abortion clinics accountable that has closed abortion businesses in other states.

“Passing these bills will restore life to Tennessee by requiring informed consent and a 48-hour waiting period for women and girls considering abortion and require abortion facilities to be licensed and inspected by the TN Department of Health,” the pro-life group said.

The group said the legislation would “enact informed consent provisions and a short waiting period to reduce coerced abortions and abortion-on-demand.  Restoration of a 48-hour waiting period is even more critical as neighboring states have recently passed and/or considering longer waiting periods than Tennessee.”

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House Bill 1368/Senate Bill 1280 by Rep. Susan Lynn would require abortion facilities to be licensed and inspected the same as ambulatory surgical centers in our state.

Abortion business across the country are known for failing to follow basic health and safety laws that provide for the protection of patients that legitimate medical centers routinely follow on a daily basis. In other states with similar pro-life laws, abortion clinics have shut down that are unable to follow these basic rules and requirements. That results in saving unborn children from abortions and protecting women’s lives and health.

“This proposal fulfills a promise to Tennessee voters that we would restore common sense protections for women and girls considering abortion,” said Rep. Lynn.  “We have a duty and an obligation to ensure that health and safety standards are enforced consistently within facilities performing out-patient surgeries, including those performing abortions.”

Data from the Centers for Disease Control documents that 1 of 4 abortions performed in Tennessee is sought by a woman residing in another state, the 3rd highest out-of-state abortion rate in the nation.  Such numbers and lack of regulation have resulted in Tennessee becoming known as an abortion destination, something Lynn hopes to change.

“Our goal must be to have safeguards in place that are at least as strong as those of neighboring states,” said Lynn.  “I’m grateful for the support of my colleagues and Tennessee’s pro-life movement as we work to promote the protection of life and health in our state.”