Tennessee Governor Enacts Law Prohibiting Minors from Being Transported for Abortions

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee on Tuesday signed into law a bill that prohibits the transportation of a minor to obtain an abortion without parental consent.

Senate Bill 1971 deems it a misdemeanor, punishable by less than a year in prison, to transport a minor across state lines for an abortion without notarized parental consent. The law will be effective starting July 1.

SB1971 was approved in the Senate with a 25-4 vote on April 24, following a House passage of 74-24 the day prior.

“This legislation is aimed at safeguarding parental rights,” stated Republican Rep. Jason Zachary back in April. “We are not reopening the abortion debate, as that matter has already been settled in Tennessee, thankfully.”

The bill excludes common carriers like buses, trains, and airlines from the regulation, as well as ambulance drivers.

Critics have raised concerns about the lack of exceptions for minors who may have been victims of parental or guardian abuse, among other issues.