NASHVILLE, Tenn. (NEWSCHANNEL 5/AP) - Five Republican state senators are calling on Gov. Bill Haslam to enact "emergency rules" for abortion providers in Tennessee.
The lawmakers want the governor to take action to ensure that the illegal sale of fetal tissue after abortions isn't taking place in the state.
They want the emergency rules to provide a "chain of custody" until the disposal of the fetus; create a hotline for reporting any illegal activity at abortion clinics; and authorize the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to investigate abortion facilities.
The request was sent by Sens. Paul Bailey of Sparta, Mae Beavers of Mt. Juliet, Janice Bowling of Tullahoma, Dolores Gresham of Summerville and Kerry Roberts of Springfield.
The issue has come to light in recent weeks after videos surfaced allegedly showing representatives of Planned Parenthood meeting to discuss the sale of the fetal tissue.
Haslam said he shares the lawmakers' concern, adding that he's "more than willing to have that conversation."
Lawmakers plan to take this issue up in January.
(Copyright 2015 by NewsChannel 5 and The Associated Press.)
