Abortion - As introduced, defines the terms "serious risk of substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function" and "lethal fetal anomaly"; specifies that a physician does not commit the offense of criminal abortion if, under certain circumstances, the physician performs or attempts to perform an abortion to address a lethal fetal anomaly or a premature delivery of an unborn child with a lethal fetal anomaly. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 29; Title 33; Title 37; Title 39; Title 40; Title 53; Title 56; Title 62; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71.
SB 1425 defines "lethal fetal anomaly" (a condition incompatible with life outside the womb) and "serious risk of substantial and irreversible impairment" (e.g., severe preeclampsia, not mental health conditions). It exempts licensed physicians from criminal abortion charges when performing abortions or premature deliveries to address these specific conditions, provided they follow strict protocols. Key provisions require two physician concurrences for lethal anomaly cases, written notification about perinatal hospice options, and adherence to medical judgment for patient safety. The bill directly affects physicians and hospitals performing abortions in Tennessee under these defined medical circumstances.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 10, 2025
Last action Mar 24, 2025
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
6
Key actions
1
Committee
3
Mar 24, 2025
Committee
Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Judiciary Committee
lower
Mar 19, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 3/24/2025
lower
Feb 12, 2025
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee
upper
Feb 10, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Richard Briggs
RRepublican
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