NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Tennessee would ban abortions after 20 weeks if a doctor determines the fetus is viable through required tests, under a bill approved Wednesday by the Tennessee House.
The bill now heads to the desk of Republican Gov. Bill Haslam, who hasn’t made a decision on it yet.
In a 68-18 vote, the House approved the legislation that subjects doctors to felony penalties. The ban wouldn’t apply if the mother faces risks of death or serious damage to a major bodily function.
The Senate passed the bill earlier this week. Haslam said that he won’t make a decision until he talks with Attorney General Herbert Slatery, who has said his office would defend the measure if it were to become law, despite previously calling it “constitutionally suspect.”
Supporters of the bill contended it can withstand a constitutional challenge, comparing it to 20 laws in other states. They said the bill protects unborn children.