Signs outside a polling place support different opinions on an amendment to the Tennessee Constitution on Tuesday in Nashville.MORE ELECTION COVERAGE• Full voter guide results• GOP takes control of Senate, ending eight-year Democratic run• Republican incumbents easily take Tennessee’s 3rd, 4th districts• Hamilton County cities vote to allow wine in grocery stores• Republicans Gov. Nathan Deal, David Perdue win in Georgia• Rogers defeats alleged sexual harasser Sharrock in Fort Oglethorpe contest• GOP sweeps governor’s races; Wisconsin gives Walker 3rd win• Ballot measures: Oregon, D.C. voters OK use of pot
NASHVILLE – With the passage of a constitutional amendment that gives Tennessee lawmakers more power to restrict abortion, they are planning to do just that.
Although Tennessee has some restrictions, the state lacks the mandatory counseling and waiting periods that are in place in all eight states that share its border.
That’s because in 2000, the Tennessee Supreme Court ruled that the constitution protected abortion.
With the constitution now amended, lawmakers say they are preparing to introduce a host of new laws. Proposals include counseling, waiting periods, new clinic regulations and ultrasound requirements.