An anti-abortion lawmaker says Republicans can take their foot off the pedal after decadeslong fight

For the first time since 1973, states are deciding whether abortions can be performed. Tennessee will soon outlaw all abortions with the only exception being to prevent a pregnant patient’s death or major physical impairment.

State Sen. Mike Bell, R-Riceville, has worked on abortion legislation as the Judiciary Committee chair. He says it’s been a long fight but now anti-abortion lawmakers in the legislature can take a sigh of relief. He says with a total ban on abortion expected to take effect mid-August, there is no need for his party to propose more legislation on the matter.

But he does expect Democrats to now be on offense.

“I suspect next year many of those on the other side of the issue from me will be filing bills attacking this Supreme Court decision,” said Bell.

On the other side is Sen. Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis. She says giving Tennesseans access to abortion is in the forefront of her plans.

“We’ll try and pass legislation to codify Roe, to codify those protections that’ll allow for women to have a right to make a choice about her own body,” said Akbari. “We’ll also simultaneously push for legislation that will stop criminalizing abortion providers.”

A recent Vanderbilt poll shows that the vast majority of Tennesseans believe abortions should be legal in some conditions. Fifty percent of Tennesseans described themselves as “pro-life” while 48% said they are “pro-choice.”

But with Republicans holding a supermajority in the state, it’ll be an uphill battle to get any legislation passed that would loosen abortion restrictions.