New Tennessee law penalizes adults who help minors get abortions without parental consent

A new law in Tennessee is cracking down on adults who help minors obtain abortions without the consent of their parents. Under the new law, which went into effect on July 1, 2021, adults who assist minors in obtaining abortions without parental consent can face felony charges and up to six years in prison.

The law, known as House Bill 1181, aims to protect parental rights and ensure that parents are involved in important decisions regarding their children’s healthcare. Supporters of the law argue that parents have a right to be informed and involved in decisions that could have a significant impact on their child’s physical and emotional well-being.

Opponents of the law, however, argue that it could have harmful consequences for minors who may be in abusive or unsafe situations at home. They argue that requiring parental consent for abortions could put minors at risk of being forced to carry a pregnancy to term against their will.

Under the new law, any adult who “intentionally or knowingly” assists a minor in obtaining an abortion without parental consent could face charges of a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a penalty of up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. If the adult is found to have received financial gain from assisting the minor in obtaining the abortion, they could face felony charges and up to six years in prison.

The law also requires healthcare providers to obtain written consent from at least one parent or legal guardian before performing an abortion on a minor. However, there are exceptions to the parental consent requirement in cases of medical emergencies or if the minor obtains a court order granting permission to proceed without parental consent.

Overall, the new Tennessee law reflects the ongoing debate surrounding parental involvement in minors’ healthcare decisions, particularly when it comes to sensitive issues like abortion. While some argue that parental consent is necessary to protect minors and their families, others believe that it could have negative consequences for minors who may not have supportive or safe home environments. The implementation of this law will likely continue to spark controversy and legal challenges in the future.