Recently, a new abortion law has been passed within Tennessee, and is to become one of the most restrictive abortion laws that has been passed by the House of Representatives.The legislation was passed 66-21. 

A large variety of groups within Tennessee have directly spoken out against this bill, such as the Planned Parenthood of Tennessee and North Mississippi, and the American Civil Liberties union who state that they will challenge courts if this bill passes the Senate to deem unconstitutional.

After governor Brian Kemp signed the legislation, he stated, “I proudly support this legislation, which protects the rights of the unborn at the heartbeat.” Many groups stand by Governor Kemp’s actions, including Tennessee Right to Life, who said in a statement to the press that they suspect a lawsuit will work because fetal heartbeat laws passed in states such as North Dakota, and Arkansas have already been deemed unconstitutional.

Another similar piece of legislation that has become law within Iowa regarding ‘fetal heartbeats’ was deemed unconstitutional by the courts in January. Polk County District Judge states in his ruling that “a woman’s right to decide whether to terminate a pregnancy is a fundamental right under the Iowa Constitution.”

Many similar pieces of legislation are also being passed, especially a similar one in Georgia. There are a few exceptions for a woman, including exemptions for rape victims, incest, or if the mother’s life is at risk, but this bill must still go through the state House and Senate.