The Tennessee Abortion Law Update: What You Need to Know Now

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Since the drafting of our last Tennessee abortion law update, efforts to modify one of the strictest abortion bans in the nation have failed or stalled.

  • House Bill 1440, which made exceptions for rape and incest in certain situations, was withdrawn on February 23, 2023.
  • Senate Bill 885, which made clear that “abortion does not include the use of contraceptives, including hormonal birth control, intrauterine devices, or emergency contraceptives,” failed in the Senate Judiciary Committee on February 28, 2023.
  • House Bill 883, a bill that would remove the affirmative defense requirement for doctors who perform abortions in emergency situations, has been put on hold. State Representative Esther Helton-Haynes, has delayed consideration of the bill until March 22, 2023. According to the Chattanooga Times Free Press, Rep. Haynes claims to have enough votes to pass the bill, but wants to wait until the Senate Judiciary Committee hears its companion bill, Senate Bill 745, on March 13, 2023. Senate Bill 745, sponsored by State Senator Richard Briggs, was originally delayed until this mid-March date in order to get advice from Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti.

 

With the Tennessee Abortion Ban undergoing so many attempted changes, it is important to consult with experienced attorneys should you have a question or concern regarding this law. With decades of experience working with prosecutors, law enforcement, medical professionals, and the state legislature, the legal team at Davis & Hoss is ready to help individuals facing potential allegations under this law or those that simply have questions. Contact Attorney Lee Davis at lee@davis-hoss.com or by phone at 423-266-0605 for more information.