A proposed constitutional amendment placing limits on abortions in the state received bipartisan support today in the State Senate when two senior lawmakers made a wording change. The new language would allow laws to be passed exempting women who are victims of rape, incest or whose life is threatened by the pregnancy. It did not place outright exemptions for those situations.
Democrat Doug Henry of Nashville and Republican Randy McNally of Oak Ridge proposed the amendment which had previously been rejected by Republicans.
Caucus Chair Diane Black had opposed exceptions to the abortion bill as recently as this month. Now she says it could give the constitutional amendment broader support.
“I’m not at all disappointed. I think that it actually strengthens the amendment. I think that it helps to clarify that when the people do have the right to vote on this it is the people’s right to retain that authority on these three very important issues that are the most emotional issues of all.”
While Republicans and Democrats came to an understanding on exemptions to new abortion limits, the Tennessee ACLU says they still go too far.
Director Hedy Weinberg, whose organization has challenged abortion restrictions in court, says any amendment to the constitution shouldn’t restrict women’s rights.
“Historically, the constitution, if it’s amended, is amended to expand rights. And the goal in this state should be to provide safe and legal health care options to women in Tennessee.”
The abortion bill was scheduled for a full floor vote in the senate today. The modifications send it back to the starting line, where lawmakers will pick it up next week.
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