NASHVILLE – A House panel on Tuesday approved legislation banning most abortions in Tennessee once a fetal heartbeat is detected after an often-emotional debate and amid warnings by critics the bill is unconstitutional.
Republicans on the GOP-controlled House Health Committee approved the bill, sponsored by Rep. Micah Van Huss, on a 15-4 vote with all four Democrats voting no.
The measure now goes to the Calendar and Rules Committee to be scheduled for final action on the House floor, where it is expected to win approval.
Supporters and opponents of the measure packed the House committee hearing room as Van Huss presented the bill, which could impact a woman’s ability to obtain an abortion if the fetus is as young as six weeks.
“It’s an attempt to save babies’ lives,” Van Huss said.