Physicians show support for bill to add clarity to Tennessee’s strict abortion law

A bill made to clear up when a physician can legally perform an abortion was on a Tennessee Senate committee agenda this week. Physicians in support say the changes are necessary.

Dr. Amy Gordon Bono is a physician in Middle Tennessee. She says it gives doctors better peace of mind. 

“This legislation changes the currents laws’ affirmative defense to a legal exception to allow doctors to terminate pregnancies in life-threatening situations without facing prosecution,” Bono said.

She joined other doctors outside of Cordell Hull to show support for an abortion bill that adds exceptions. She says, while the bill isn’t perfect, it’s at least a start at giving doctors more freedom to use their judgement. She added that, while the abortion ban on the surface only affects the families in need of one, she’s seen negative effects in other areas.

“We are seeing preventable admissions to the ICU and health care resources like blood products be over-utilized unnecessarily. So, when these extreme laws target some of us, they really do harm all of us,” Bono said.

Lawmakers urge to add the exception could be due to the Tennessee Attorney General stating that he’d have an easier time defending the law in court if it’s amended. Republicans disagree on whether a change is needed or not.