Bills filed in Tennessee State House aimed at protecting contraceptives and IVF
Read the full article on WSMV.com
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Two separate yet similar bills have been filed in the Tennessee State House. Both aim to protect parts of reproductive rights for Tennesseans.
HB0533 / SB0449 (Fertility and Contraceptive Protection Act) was filed in the House by Rep. Iris Rudder (R- Winchester), and in the Senate by Sen. Becky Massey (R-Knoxville). This bill, as introduced, would protect access to contraceptives and in-vitro fertilization in the state of Tennessee.
HB1220 / SB1010 (Contraceptive Freedom Act) was filed in the House by Rep. Gloria Johnson (D - Knoxville), and in the Senate by Sen. Charlane Oliver (D-Nashville). This bill, as introduced, would protect any form of contraceptive in the state, and make it accessible to any person looking for it.
The difference between the two bills comes down to affordability and accessibility. The Republican version focuses solely on the protection of both things. The Democratic version of the bill would require insurance to fully cover contraceptives, as well as the state to cover it in the absence of insurance.
“This isn’t just about access to contraception, it’s about trusting people with their own lives and futures,” Rep. Johnson said. “And we know there are people in this state that would like to take some of these rights away.”
Both bills were set to go before the House Population Health Subcommittee Tuesday afternoon. Only Rep. Rudder’s bill was heard out of the two, and it was passed unanimously. It now moves to the House Health Committee.
Rep. Johnson’s bill was not heard during the subcommittee meeting on Tuesday, which means it will remain there until it is discussed/voted on.
“Aspiring OBGYNs like myself, are already choosing to do their training in other states without draconian laws that could end our careers before we’ve even started,” Avery Bogart, an MD/PhD student at Vanderbilt said.
Rep. Rudder sent a statement to WSMV4 that reads:
“The Fertility Treatment and Contraceptive Protection Act secures women’s rights to birth control, including emergency contraceptives, and protects access to fertility treatments like IVF,” Rudder said. “Every woman should have the right to access contraceptives and explore other options if she cannot conceive naturally. This bill also protects healthcare providers who offer fertility treatments and prescribe contraceptives. I welcome bipartisan support for this important legislation, as it’s an issue that can unite us all.”
On the Senate side, the Democratic version of the bill failed in committee. The Republican side will take it up in committee Wednesday.
“Our politicians should not be taking away our freedom to make healthcare decisions based on our faith and our values,” Dr. Laura Andreson said.
Fiscal notes for both HB0533 / SB0449 and HB1220 / SB1010 can be found by clicking on the hyperlinks.
