Bill > HB1217

This bill proposes significant changes to Tennessee's abortion laws by establishing fundamental reproductive rights and redefining key legal definitions related to abortion and reproductive healthcare. The bill defines abortion as the intentional termination of pregnancy, defines pregnancy as beginning with embryo implantation, and establishes "viability" as the point at which a fetus could potentially survive outside the uterus without extraordinary medical intervention. It explicitly affirms that every person has a fundamental right to make reproductive healthcare decisions, including using or refusing contraception, and that a pregnant woman has the right to continue a pregnancy or have an abortion before fetal viability or when necessary to protect her life or health. Importantly, the bill states that a fertilized egg, embryo, or fetus does not have independent legal rights in Tennessee. The legislation also prohibits the state, its departments, agencies, and political subdivisions from denying, restricting, or discriminating against these fundamental reproductive rights. The bill would take effect immediately upon becoming law, reflecting an intent to quickly implement these new protections for reproductive healthcare decision-making.

Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1217&ga=114