The Tennessee State Capitol in downtown Nashville.NASHVILLE - An abortion bill in the General Assembly, which has garnered national attention and criticism, lost its two most controversial provisions today in a House committee.
One provision would have publicly identified doctors providing abortion services in Tennessee. Critics charged it could result in death or injury to doctors.
Another provision would have provided county-by-county breakdowns regarding the demographics of women who receive abortions. While the provision would not have identified anyone by name, critics contended in small, rural counties, information about ages, race and other personal information could nonetheless risk public exposure.
The bill's sponsor, Rep. Matthew Hill, R-Jonesborough, asked for the changes and said he has been slandered as a "terrorist" and threatened due to charges made by the "patrons of the culture of death" for the provisions.
For complete details, see tomorrow's Times Free Press.