Bill > SB1804

This bill, known as the "Tennessee Contraceptive Freedom Act," aims to protect the right of individuals to access and use contraceptives and engage in family planning. It requires healthcare providers to either provide contraceptives, contraception, and related information to consenting patients or refer them to a provider who can. The bill also mandates that health insurance carriers and public health agencies ensure affordable access to a wide range of contraceptive methods for all consenting persons starting from July 1, 2024. Additionally, the bill prohibits the state or any political subdivision from restricting the sale, provision, or use of contraceptives approved by the FDA. The bill is to be construed liberally to effectuate its purposes, while ensuring that it does not violate existing laws related to voluntary and informed consent for sterilization procedures or contraception use.