Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

Tennessee Senate Bill SJR0052

Caption

A RESOLUTION to reaffirm the General Assembly's intent to protect pregnant people and their friends and family.

Impact

The passage of SJR0052 aims to clarify the legislative intent regarding the treatment of individuals affected by pregnancy loss. This assurance is particularly relevant as Tennessee has been noted for having a high incidence of criminal charges against pregnant individuals in relation to pregnancy outcomes. By reaffirming the stance against criminalization, the resolution seeks to influence the application of existing state laws, thereby reinforcing protections against prosecution for pregnant persons and their support networks.

Summary

SJR0052 is a resolution that reaffirms the Tennessee General Assembly's intent to protect individuals who experience pregnancy loss, as well as their friends and family. The resolution highlights a growing concern over criminal and civil penalties that could be imposed on those dealing with the outcomes of pregnancy, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and abortion. It articulates that no person should fear prosecution for helping a loved one facing pregnancy-related challenges and emphasizes the value of social support networks during such times.

Contention

Notably, the resolution reflects ongoing debates about regulatory approaches to pregnancy-related issues in Tennessee. Proponents argue that the criminalization of pregnancy outcomes disproportionately impacts marginalized populations, particularly low-income individuals and people of color. This viewpoint is supported by larger clinical and ethical discussions within the medical community, including positions from the American Bar Association and the American Medical Association that oppose such criminalization based on public health considerations and moral grounds.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TN HR0191

A resolution to declare October 15, 2025, as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day in the state of Michigan.

TN HR522

Recognizing that Adriana Smith and her family's prolonged ordeal without their consent is the direct result of the Black maternal health crisis, the danger of laws that give rights to fetuses and take them away from pregnant people, and anti-abortion laws that continue to harm people who can become pregnant.

TN HR233

Recognizing October 15, 2025, as "Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day" and the month of October 2025 as "Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

TN HB1131

Public Health - Pregnancy Loss - Prohibited Actions (Pregnancy Outcome Protection Act)

TN H8063

National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day

TN HB5427

Relating to prohibited conduct, enforcement actions, and proceedings concerning a pregnancy loss and to the provision of pregnancy loss information.

TN A01670

Prohibits the use of restraints on and the use of force against incarcerated individuals during labor and incarcerated individuals who have experienced different pregnancy outcomes, absent extraordinary circumstances, and on pregnant and post-pregnancy persons during a custodial interrogation; provides for certain exceptions for restraints to be used and in such case limits the use to wrist restraints.

TN S02667

Prohibits the use of restraints on and the use of force against incarcerated individuals during labor and incarcerated individuals who have experienced different pregnancy outcomes, absent extraordinary circumstances, and on pregnant and post-pregnancy persons during a custodial interrogation; provides for certain exceptions for restraints to be used and in such case limits the use to wrist restraints.

TN HR783

Reaffirming German-American friendship and supporting continued cooperation between the United States and Germany.

TN HR611

Expressing the importance of accurate information for medical professionals treating pregnant women and their unborn children in the emergency department, and for informing the general public, and for other purposes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.