Resources
Tennessee has some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country. Explore the current laws, how they are affecting the lives and health of Tennesseans, and what actions you can take to advocate for reproductive rights.
Abortion in TN:
The Basics
Explore a high-level overview of Tennessee's current abortion laws. Note that this content is for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute legal advice.
What is the law on abortion in Tennessee?
Abortion is completely banned in Tennessee, with limited exceptions– such as to prevent the mother's death or substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function. Read the full bill here.
Is there an exception for minors?
No.
Is there an exception for victims of rape or incest?
No.
What qualifies as a threat to the life of the mother?
The law is vague on this topic, which contributes to confusion among providers and delays in care. For example, we've seen stories in multiple states where doctors are requiring pregnant women to wait until they are "sick enough" to receive care, for fear of violating the law. In some cases, this has resulted in women's deaths.
The Impact of Abortion Bans
The consequences of abortion bans are serious and far-reaching:
-
Women are twice as likely to die during pregnancy in states with abortion bans
-
55% of OBGYNs practicing in states with abortion bans say that the Dobbs decision has made their ability to practice within the standard of care worse. That number is only 23% in states where abortion is legal.
-
40% of OBGYNs in states where abortion is banned say they have been constrained in providing care for miscarriages post-Dobbs
-
61% of OBGYNs in states where abortion is banned say they're concerned about their legal risk when making decisions about patient care and the necessity of abortion
Women denied abortions are:
-
More likely to experience serious complications from the end of pregnancy, such as eclampsia and death
-
More likely to experience poor physical health for years after the pregnancy, such as chronic pain and gestational hypertension
-
More likely to stay in contact with abusive partners
-
Four times more likely to fall below the poverty line
Impact on Tennesseans
Even before the abortion ban went into effect, Tennessee had one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the nation. Additionally, 33% of counties are considered "maternity care deserts." That means the county does not have a hospital or birth center that provides care for pregnant women. However, since the abortion ban passed in 2022, pregnancy in Tennessee has become increasingly dangerous.
In Tennessee specifically:
-
OBGYN residency applications dropped by 21% from 2023 to 2024
-
Doctors have left the state for fear of criminal prosecution, according to the Tennessee Lookout and ABC News
-
Multiple women have sued the state for being denied care after experiencing severe pregnancy complications
-
Multiple OB-GYNs have sued the state due to the abortion ban impeding their ability to offer patients the nationally recognized standard of care in obstetric emergencies
-
One woman had to get an emergency hysterectomy after being denied an abortion, eliminating her ability to have children in the future
60%
60% of OBGYNs practicing in states where abortion is banned or restricted say their decision-making autonomy for patients has worsened post-Dobbs.
40%
40% of OBGYNs in states where abortion is banned say they have been constrained in providing care for miscarriages post-Dobbs.
55%
55% of OBGYNs practicing in states with abortion bans say that the Dobbs decision has made their ability to practice within the standard of care worse.
Impact on OBGYNs
What Can We Do About It?
Reversing Tennessee's harmful abortion ban will take long-term, collective effort— but every voice and action can make a difference. Here are key ways you can get involved:
-
Contact your lawmakers
Call or email your representatives to express your support for reproductive rights and demand policy change. Find your TN legislators here.
-
Vote in every election
State and local officials play a major role in shaping laws around reproductive health. Be sure to research candidates’ positions and vote for those who support reproductive freedom. View the TN election calendar here.
-
Raise awareness
Share accurate information with your community to help educate others on reproductive health issues. Be sure to share factual information from reliable sources to help combat stigma and misinformation around abortion. Sources of legitimate, unbiased, and medically reviewed data include the Guttmacher Institute, KFF, Physicians for Reproductive Health, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
-
Show up and speak out
Attend rallies, town halls, and community events. Public pressure can help shift the narrative.
-
Support local reproductive health organizations
Donate to or volunteer with groups working for reproductive freedom. Local organizations include Planned Parenthood, East Nashtivists, and Sumner Advocates for Reproductive Freedom. If you're interested in getting involved with our work at Protecting Reproductive Health, contact us to learn more.
Change isn't going to happen overnight. But together, we can work toward laws that respect autonomy, dignity, and access to care for all Tennesseans.
Local Resources
If you or someone you know needs help, care, or more information, consider reaching out to one of these local resources.