Bill > HB0027

This bill introduces the "Reproductive Freedom Act" in Tennessee, establishing comprehensive protections for reproductive healthcare rights. The bill defines key terms like "abortion" and "reproductive health care" and declares fundamental rights for individuals, including the right to make decisions about contraception, pregnancy, childbirth, and abortion without state interference. Specifically, the bill affirms that every person has the right to choose their healthcare providers, make reproductive health decisions consistent with their personal values, and exercise these rights without fear of criminal prosecution. The legislation explicitly states that a fertilized egg, embryo, or fetus does not have independent legal rights, and it prohibits the state, its agencies, and political subdivisions from denying, restricting, or discriminating against individuals exercising these reproductive rights. The bill also makes numerous amendments to existing Tennessee laws across multiple titles, effectively removing previous restrictions on reproductive healthcare and ensuring that healthcare plans established through federal exchanges must offer coverage for reproductive health services. The act is designed to provide broad protections for reproductive autonomy and takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0027&ga=114