Tennessee's strict abortion ban is under pressure, but change is unlikely under GOP control

Tennessee's Republican-dominant Legislature is once again facing pressure to reconsider when doctors can legally offer the procedure to pregnant patients

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- After begrudgingly agreeing to tweak Tennessee's strict abortion ban last year, the Republican-dominant Legislature is once again facing pressure to reconsider when doctors can legally offer the procedure to pregnant patients.

The push comes as confusion and fear continues among residents in many GOP-controlled states over how abortion ban exemptions should be applied. While a handful of lawsuits have been filed with the hopes of getting clarity in state courts, others are pursuing legislative changes.

Yet it remains unknown if state lawmakers will be receptive to any changes — particularly in an election year when many members will be vying to keep their positions.

Across the U.S., the total number of abortions provided rose slightly in the year since states began implementing bans, according to a report released late last year from the Society of Family Planning, which advocates for abortion access. The number of abortions have fallen to nearly zero in states with the strictest bans but have increased elsewhere, especially in states close to those with the bans.

When asked earlier this year if Tennessee’s abortion ban should be changed, Senate Speaker Randy McNally, a Republican, said no. “I have the feeling that where we are is where we need to be to protect the life of the unborn.”