Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has signed legislation to block adults from assisting minors in obtaining abortions or gender-affirming care without parental consent. These bills are set to go into effect on July 1 and are likely to face immediate legal challenges. The legislation makes it a misdemeanor for adults to help minors get an abortion without parental consent and also penalizes adults who help minors receive gender-affirming care without permission.
Tennessee will be the second state in the country to implement such laws, with supporters arguing that parents have a right to be involved in their children’s healthcare decisions. However, critics, including the ACLU and Planned Parenthood, have raised concerns about the constitutionality of the legislation, particularly its vague language and lack of exemptions for minors who may have been raped by their parents.
The laws come as part of a broader trend of restricting access to reproductive healthcare in Tennessee, where abortion is banned at all stages of pregnancy except in certain circumstances. Doctors are required to use their “reasonable medical” judgment to determine if an abortion is necessary to save the life of the patient. A group of women is currently suing to challenge the state’s abortion ban, with a court decision expected soon.
The passage of these restrictive laws highlights the ongoing battle over reproductive rights in Tennessee and the broader implications for access to healthcare for minors. Proponents argue that parents should have a say in their children’s healthcare decisions, while opponents raise concerns about the impact on minors in vulnerable situations.
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