(TargetLiberty.org) – Tennessee is likely to become the second U.S. state to make it illegal for an adult to assist a minor in getting an abortion without having their parent’s consent.
On Wednesday the Republican-dominant statehouse had cleared the way for the bill to make it to Gov. Bill Lee’s (R) desk. Lee has not yet made any comments regarding the proposal but it is likely that if he does approve it, it could lead to the proposal being challenged immediately. In the past, the governor has defended his state for the sweeping abortion ban and has often spoken up about his position against abortion.
Still, reproductive rights advocates are going to quickly challenge the statute in court which could block it from being enforced. Idaho was the first state to enact such a law, which has been dubbed the “abortion trafficking law.” Still, a federal judge has temporarily blocked the law following the reproductive rights groups suing to challenge it.
Democratic Rep. Aftyn Behn had debated on Tuesday evening the bill, arguing that it was a direct attack on her, her family, her friends, her network, and all those who were pregnant or were vulnerable minors who needed to be able to access reproductive health care and to do so would need to cross state lines.
The legislation states that it will be illegal for an adult to intentionally transport a pregnant minor within the state in order to help them get access to reproductive health care before the approval of her parents.
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