NASHVILLE — A compromise between state House Republican leaders and abortion foes to provide narrow exceptions to Tennessee’s near-total ban on abortions moved though a major legislative committee Wednesday.
But Democrats and some physicians voiced concerns the amended bill doesn’t do enough to protect women.
House Bill 883, carried by Rep. Esther Helton-Haynes, R-East Ridge, was approved on a voice vote after an hour of discussion, debate and sometimes pointed words.
Helton-Haynes has had the active backing of House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville.
State law makes all abortions illegal, a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison for any physician upon conviction. The law has a provision allowing physicians, if charged, to mount an “affirmative defense” and argue the abortion was necessary to save the life of the mother in an effort to avoid charges. Physicians have been concerned that leaves them in significant legal jeopardy.