Tennessee House Bill HB1947

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/26
• Refer: 2/4/26
• Refer: 3/10/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 24; Title 33; Title 39; Title 40; Title 41; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to the Tennessee Women's Childbirth Alternatives, Resources, and Education Act.

Impact

If implemented, HB1947 would prohibit the use of medical information obtained through pregnancy tests from being used as evidence in criminal proceedings, unless obtained through lawful means. This stipulation aims to safeguard women's reproductive health information from being weaponized against them in the justice system, a significant shift in policy intended to prevent the criminalization of women for pregnancy-related outcomes. It also sets mechanisms for data collection regarding perinatal health outcomes among incarcerated populations to improve overall maternal-infant health in Tennessee.

Summary

House Bill 1947, known as the 'Tennessee Women's Childbirth Alternatives, Resources, and Education Act', seeks to amend several sections of the Tennessee Code to enhance the treatment and considerations for pregnant women within the state's criminal justice system. The bill emphasizes the need for comprehensive prenatal and postpartum care, addressing the growing number of incarcerated women who might not receive adequate healthcare while imprisoned. This legislative measure aims to ensure that health and safety for these women and their newborns is prioritized throughout the criminal process.

Contention

The bill includes provisions that prevent the criminalization of pregnant individuals based on their health data or pregnancy outcomes, which have led to debates among legislators. Proponents argue that these measures are vital for protecting women's rights and ensuring that they have access to necessary health services without fear of legal repercussions. Critics, however, may express concerns over the bill's implications for law enforcement and the challenges of maintaining public safety while reforming policies around maternal health in correctional facilities. Overall, while the bill promotes positive public health goals, it raises important questions about the intersections of health care, justice, and women's rights.