NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Tennessee is one day from its highly anticipated legislative session and a new state representative is pushing a bill to protect reproductive health care.
Representative Aftyn Behn proposed House Bill 1626 to amend Tennessee's current law that bans abortion in early stages of pregnancy.
Behn says this bill is called the Fundamental Right to Reproductive Health Care Act meaning the state cannot interfere with abortion services because it falls under what she says a person's fundamental right.
The bill states every person has a right to make decisions about their reproductive health care, including the right to use or refuse all contraception. It adds a pregnant person has a right to continue a pregnancy or to terminate it.
This comes almost a year after Governor Bill Lee signed a narrow abortion exemption law that allows doctors to use their medical judgement to decide if an abortion can save the life of a pregnant patient or prevent major injury.
Representative Behn says she's proud of the effort to address what she says is an issue in the state. She was the youngest woman elected to the Tennessee House in September after the death of Democratic Representative Bill Beck.
I'm so thankful Robb Coles highlighted the Kamer Davis clinic in Hermitage and the hardship that may force its closure. The clinic provides care for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities and there is no other place like it nearby. You can tell the staff is so passionate about the care they provide. I hope by shining the light on this, the right person can step in and make a difference.
- Carrie Sharp
