NASHVILLE – A House committee on Tuesday delayed a vote on legislation that would require abortion clinics in Tennessee to post anti-coercion signs because of concerns from some lawmakers.
The state House Health and Human Resources Committee decided to put off the vote for a week to give lawmakers more time to review the measure sponsored Rep. Susan Lynn.
The Mount Juliet Republican said she was expecting the bill to move forward.
“We … worked really hard on this bill in subcommittee and really tried to work with everyone involved to make everyone happy,” she said. “I am disappointed it was rolled a week but hopeful next week will be the final week.”
Any type of coercion to have an abortion is prohibited under current law. But Lynn said some women may not know that and the sign simply spells out what’s in the law.
“This sign will let them know that if someone is pressuring them, they can say no,” she said.
But some lawmakers question the impact such a measure would have on individuals who are underage.
Rep. Mary Pruitt, D-Nashville, said a 10-year-old girl who is raped would probably need guidance from an adult family member or guardian.
“We’re considering the life of a mother,” Pruitt said. “They’re taking a one-sided view, not a holistic look at what they’re doing.”
House Minority Leader Gary Odom agreed.
“I’m not sure what this does if a family goes in … and the parental involvement in this very difficult issue,” said the Nashville Democrat. “I think a number of members still have questions about what kind of impact it would have under that circumstance.”
The companion bill is awaiting a vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee.