Tennessee House Bill HB0990

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/25
• Refer: 3/4/25
• Refer: 3/11/25
• Refer: 4/1/25
• Chaptered: 4/29/25
• Passed: 4/29/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 9; Title 29; Title 33; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 53; Title 56; Title 62; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to abortion.

Impact

If enacted, HB 0990 would impact the legal framework governing abortion in Tennessee by clarifying medical terminologies used in the state law. The intent behind these amendments is to create clearer guidelines for healthcare providers regarding when abortions may be performed without legal repercussions in the context of medical emergencies and serious risks to the mother's health. By making these distinctions, the bill aims to align state laws with medical practice and the realities faced by women during pregnancy.

Summary

House Bill 0990 seeks to amend several sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated relating to abortion. It introduces new medical definitions pertinent to abortion, including terms such as 'inevitable abortion' and specifies conditions under which a serious risk of substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function may be considered. This legislative change is positioned within a broader context of ongoing debates surrounding reproductive health laws in the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 0990 presents a polarized view. Supporters, including various healthcare professionals, argue that the bill provides necessary clarity and protection for women in critical health scenarios, promoting better maternal health outcomes. Conversely, opponents view the legislation as yet another constraint on abortion rights, potentially limiting access to necessary care and undermining women's autonomy over their reproductive choices. This divide reflects the broader national discourse on reproductive rights.

Contention

Significant points of contention associated with HB 0990 revolve around the definitions provided in the bill and their implications for women's health. Critics are concerned that the definitions might lead to increased scrutiny of abortions and potentially complicate medical decisions at critical moments. Furthermore, the exclusion of mental health conditions from the definitions raises alarms among advocates for women's rights, who argue that mental health is a crucial aspect of maternal wellbeing and should not be disregarded in legal assessments.