Governor Lee Signs Underage Abortion Trafficking Act

Tennessee Right to Life expressed its gratitude to Governor Lee for signing HB1895/SB1971, known as the Underage Abortion Trafficking Act. This new legislation aims to protect minors by involving parents in critical decisions regarding the well-being of their daughters. The bill passed overwhelmingly in the House and Senate, making it a crime for any adult to recruit, harbor or transport a minor for the purpose of obtaining an abortion or causing chemicals an abortion without parental consent.

Sponsors of the legislation emphasized that it is a parental consent bill designed to protect minors from invasive surgical procedures or the use of dangerous chemicals for unknowing or unknowing abortion. without their parents' approval. “Passage of the Underage Abortion Trafficking Act is a victory for Tennessee parents and their daughters. This law will go a long way to protecting young girls from predators who want to cover up their crimes and from an abortion industry that exploits young girls for profit,” said Will Brewer, lobbyist for Tennessee Right to Life.

The urgency of this legislation has increased as the abortion industry seeks methods to circumvent pro-life laws in states like Tennessee. Recently, Planned Parenthood admitted to facilitating abortion travel for underage girls without informing their parents. “We are grateful that Governor Lee signed this legislation. Parents have the right to be involved in the well-being of their daughters. The abortion industry has no right to leave parents in the dark at a time when their daughters are so vulnerable and could be in danger,” said Stacy Dunn, president of Tennessee Right to Life.

Violation of the law is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a mandatory prison sentence of 11 months and 29 days. It also establishes civil liability for the actions described. The law is scheduled to take effect July 1, 2024. Founded in 1975, Tennessee Right to Life is the oldest and largest pro-life advocacy organization in the state. Affiliated with the National Right to Life Committee, the organization is nonprofit, nonsectarian and voluntary, with local chapters throughout Tennessee.

Tennessee Right to Life advocates for the protection of human life, especially those threatened by abortion, infanticide, partial birth abortion, assisted suicide or euthanasia. The organization is dedicated to educational outreach, the passage of protective legislation, and the promotion of an informed and active grassroots movement throughout the state. Additionally, it provides direct resources to women and families facing difficult or unexpected pregnancies.

Tennessee Right to Life members come from diverse religious, ethnic, economic and political backgrounds, all united in the mission to promote and restore societal respect for all human life.