Abortions in Tennessee became illegal at the moment of conception in 2022.
The only exception is when the physician can prove that the woman’s life is at risk or that she may have “substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function.”
How Did This Law Come About?
When Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court Ruling on abortion, was in effect, abortions could not be restricted in the first trimester (the first three months of pregnancy) In December 2021, a new abortion case, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, was presented to the Supreme Court.
This case (Dobbs, for short) had the potential to overturn Roe v. Wade and send all abortion decisions back to the individual states to decide. In other words, there would no longer be a national law preventing abortion restrictions in early pregnancy.
In anticipation of Dobbs, the legislature in Tennessee passed what was called a “trigger law,” banning abortion at conception. That meant that this law would take effect if and when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
As a result of Dobbs, Roe v. Wade was overturned on June 24, 2022, and Tennessee’s trigger law went into effect.
What Do I Do If I Live In Tennessee And Want An Abortion?
Here at Pathways Pregnancy Resource Center, we realize that unplanned pregnancies happen. When they do, there can be a lot of emotions and confusion as to which is the best option to choose.
Even though we don’t provide or refer for abortions, we care that you receive vital information about all three of your pregnancy options: abortion, parenting, and adoption. In addition, with all the misinformation and confusion surrounding abortion, we want you to know the facts.
What Can Pathways Provide?
- A no-cost lab quality pregnancy test to show with accuracy if you are pregnant or not.
- An ultrasound, performed by medical professionals, to confirm how far along you are, as well as if the pregnancy is viable (will continue to grow).
- Accurate and comprehensive information on abortion, as well as adoption and parenting.
Pathways Pregnancy Resource Center is concerned about you and your well-being. We know that being fully informed is vital in making a decision that is best for you
Last updated: January 12, 2024