AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 37; Title 39; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to abortion.
Summary
SB0003 amends Tennessee’s abortion statute to clarify that the term “abortion” does not include two specific categories of medical care or reproductive services. First, it excludes the use of contraceptives, including devices, medications, biological products, or procedures generally intended to prevent pregnancy, even when used for other health needs. Second, it excludes the disposal of unimplanted embryos that result from fertility treatments, along with related fertility-care services, testing, medications, treatments, and products.
The bill is a definitional change to Tennessee Code Annotated Section 39-15-213 and does not create a new regulatory program. Its practical effect is to narrow the statutory definition of abortion for purposes of state law, which may affect how abortion-related provisions are interpreted and applied in relation to contraception and fertility treatment. The act takes effect immediately upon becoming law.
Impact
By revising the statutory definition of “abortion,” the bill limits the reach of Tennessee’s abortion laws so they do not encompass contraceptive use or the disposal of unimplanted embryos from fertility treatment. This could affect interpretation across Titles 37, 39, 63, and 68 where abortion-related terms or enforcement depend on the definition in Section 39-15-213, and it may provide clearer legal protection for contraception and assisted reproduction services.
Sentiment
The recorded floor vote suggests broad support for final passage, with the bill passing third consideration 96-0. Earlier votes on proposed amendments were more divided, indicating some disagreement over the bill’s wording or scope, but the final outcome shows strong bipartisan or near-unanimous approval of the underlying measure. No committee transcript was provided, so the available record reflects support at passage rather than detailed debate.
Contention
The main points of contention appear to have centered on amendments rather than the bill’s final text. One amendment by Mitchell to lay on the table failed, and another amendment by Fritts failed on a 19-77 vote, suggesting disagreement over whether and how to modify the bill’s language. Based on the bill text, the likely substantive issue is the boundary between abortion, contraception, and fertility treatment, with supporters favoring a narrower abortion definition and any opponents likely concerned about the legal implications of carving out these exceptions.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 9; Title 29; Title 33; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 53; Title 56; Title 62; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to abortion.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 9; Title 29; Title 33; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 53; Title 56; Title 62; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to abortion.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 29; Title 33; Title 37; Title 39; Title 40; Title 53; Title 56; Title 62; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to women's health.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 29; Title 33; Title 37; Title 39; Title 40; Title 53; Title 56; Title 62; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to women's health.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 20; Title 29; Title 37; Title 39; Title 49; Title 53; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to reproductive health care.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 20; Title 29; Title 37; Title 39; Title 49; Title 53; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to reproductive health care.