TN lawmaker proposes bill to punish abortion trafficking
Tennessee State Representative Introduces Bill to Protect Minors from Illegal Abortions
A Tennessee state representative, Rep. Jason Zachary (R-Knoxville), has recently introduced a bill aimed at preventing adults from providing abortions to minors. The bill criminalizes the act of giving an abortion pill to a child or assisting in any way with the abortion process.
The legislation allows for civil action against individuals involved in the offense of abortion trafficking of a minor, holding them accountable for the wrongful death of the unborn child. The bill’s summary provides further details on its provisions.
According to Rep. Zachary, Tennessee has the strongest pro-life laws in the country, having saved over 10,000 babies since their enactment. However, some individuals are attempting to bypass these laws to facilitate abortions for minors. This bill aims to address such challenges and protect vulnerable unemancipated minors from having their babies aborted without the knowledge of their guardians or parents.
In a video statement, Rep. Zachary emphasized the importance of this legislation in preserving the state’s pro-life stance and preventing individuals from circumventing existing laws. He shared a personal experience where a minor was taken for an abortion without her guardians’ consent, highlighting the need for this bill to address such situations and protect unborn babies.
Tennessee has the strongest pro-life law in the nation. There are those circumventing the law by preying on pregnant minors without their parents/guardians knowledge.
We’re going to stop it.
It’s HB 1895. pic.twitter.com/4hiqTKDbkz— Rep. Jason Zachary (@JasonZacharyTN) January 23, 2024
The bill is co-sponsored by House Majority Leader William Lamberth and sponsored by Republican state Senator Paul Rose.
A draft of the legislation defines the offense of abortion trafficking of a minor as an adult recruiting, harboring, or transporting a pregnant unemancipated minor within the state for the purpose of an illegal abortion.
This bill also addresses the issue of adults obtaining abortion-inducing drugs for pregnant unemancipated minors, making it a prohibited activity.
Notably, recent studies have shown that abortion pills are being sent from Tennessee to conservative states like Texas for abortions, making this provision crucial in combating such practices.
Tennessee Democrats have already expressed strong opposition to the legislation, with State Rep. Aftyn Behn stating that it is an insult to actual trafficking survivors.
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How does Rep. Jason Zachary’s proposed bill aim to protect minors from illegal abortions?
Arrying out illegal abortions on minors. He stated, “We have a responsibility to protect the most innocent and vulnerable among us, and that includes minors who may be coerced into having an abortion without the knowledge or consent of their parents or guardians.”
The bill includes several key provisions. First, it makes it a criminal offense to provide an abortion pill to a minor or to assist in any way with the abortion process. This includes doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and anyone else involved in the procedure. The penalties for violating this law include fines and potential imprisonment.
Additionally, the bill allows for civil action to be taken against individuals involved in the offense of abortion trafficking of a minor. This means that the parents or guardians of a minor who has been subjected to an illegal abortion can file a lawsuit against those responsible, seeking damages for the wrongful death of the unborn child.
Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the need to protect minors from coercion or manipulation into having an abortion. It requires healthcare providers to verify the identity and age of the pregnant minor, as well as obtain written consent from the minor’s parent or guardian before performing an abortion. This ensures that parents or guardians are aware of and involved in the decision-making process.
Rep. Zachary’s proposed legislation comes in response to concerns about individuals bypassing current pro-life laws in Tennessee to facilitate abortions for minors. By criminalizing these acts and providing legal recourse for the victims, the bill aims to reinforce the state’s commitment to protecting the sanctity of life and the rights of parents and guardians.
Pro-life advocates have praised the bill for its efforts to address the issue of illegal abortions on minors. They argue that every child deserves the chance to live and that parents and guardians should have the final say in decisions regarding their child’s life. The bill not only protects the unborn child but also ensures that parents and guardians are included in the decision-making process and are able to offer support and guidance to their children.
Critics of the bill, however, argue that it infringes on a woman’s right to choose and that it may prevent minors in abusive or dangerous situations from accessing the healthcare they need. They argue that this legislation may result in an increase in unsafe, self-induced abortions and may further stigmatize and marginalize vulnerable young people.
As the bill moves forward in the legislative process, it is expected to generate significant debate and discussions about the balance between protecting minors and upholding a woman’s right to choose. It remains to be seen how the bill will ultimately be received and whether it will become law.
In conclusion, Rep. Jason Zachary’s bill to protect minors from illegal abortions in Tennessee is a significant step in ensuring the rights and safety of vulnerable young people. By criminalizing the act of providing abortions to minors and holding individuals accountable, the bill aims to prevent coercion, protect the unborn, and involve parents or guardians in the decision-making process. While the bill has received praise from pro-life advocates, it has also faced criticism for potential infringements on a woman’s right to choose. As the bill continues to be debated, its impact on the rights and well-being of minors and women in Tennessee will be closely watched.
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