Adoptions With Love Blog

A Guide to Abortion Laws in Tennessee

The news related to Tennessee’s abortion laws, and abortion laws across the United States, is evolving daily. If you have any questions about the latest abortion law information, please do not hesitate to contact Adoptions With Love.

Access to safe, legal abortion care has changed dramatically since the U.S. Supreme Court reversed Roe v. Wade. Since June of 2022, many states have experienced total overhauls to abortion hauls. If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy in Tennessee, you may be thinking about your options. You may be considering termination and questioning whether this is still an option.

The good news is that you have choices. Abortion is illegal in Tennessee, with very limited exceptions for medical emergencies. Still, you can get abortion care if you need it thanks to the resources available. You have other options, as well. Read on, as we explain the latest Tennessee abortion laws, how you may be able to obtain a safe and legal abortion, and other pregnancy options you have.

An Overview of Abortion Laws in Tennessee

In 2019, the State of Tennessee passed a trigger ban, which went into effect on August 25, 2022. This ban prohibits abortions at any stage of pregnancy with limited medical emergency exceptions.

In September of 2024, a federal judge temporarily blocked a so-called “abortion trafficking” law set in Tennessee. The law bans adults from helping minors get abortion care without parental consent.

Then in October of 2024, a three-judge panel determined that Tennessee doctors who provide emergency abortions to save the life of the mother cannot be disciplined while a lawsuit challenging the state’s abortion ban continues.

An Overview of Abortion Laws in Tennessee

As of this writing, abortion is illegal at any stage of pregnancy in Tennessee. The only exceptions are to prevent the death of the pregnant person or to prevent a serious risk of permanent impairment to a major bodily function. Patients in these circumstances must make two trips to a physician – one for in-person counseling and another for the abortion, which must happen at least 48 hours later.

If a doctor performs an abortion without meeting these requirements it is deemed a felony, punishable by up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

If you are living in Tennessee and facing an unplanned pregnancy, this decision may be weighing heavily on your mind. It can help to know you have options. Adoptions With Love believes in a woman’s right to choose what is best for her and her life, but abortion is not the only choice.

Your Pregnancy Options in Tennessee

While abortion is illegal in Tennessee, it is possible to get abortion care in another state. As you digest the shocking news of your unplanned pregnancy, you will want to consider all your options. Here is a breakdown of the choices:

  • Abortion (in another state)
  • Adoption
  • Parenthood

Abortion in Another State

If you are willing to travel to another state where abortion is legal, you may be able to get the care you need. Crossing state lines for abortion care is legal, but it can be a costly endeavor. Not only do transportation, accommodation, and food costs add up, but there is also time out of work to consider. If you can make the trip, there are organizations that can help you with funding:

It can be comforting to know that abortion is an option, but it may not be the right path for you. Here is a brief overview of your other options:

Parenthood

It is common for expectant parents to consider parenthood upon learning of their pregnancy. While parenthood can be a rewarding experience, it can also be a challenging road for those who are not ready. Parenthood is a life-long journey. Before choosing this path, it is important to ask yourself practical questions, such as:

  • How will I support my growing family?
  • Who can I lean on for support?
  • How will I pursue my professional goals after giving birth?
  • What will my child’s life be like if I am the parent?

These are just a few examples of questions to ask yourself when considering parenthood.

Adoption

Adoption is not an alternative to abortion. It can, however, be a positive choice for someone who is not yet ready to be a parent. Outside of the adoption community, we often hear the term “give a baby up for adoption,” but we know that this is wrong. Adoption is ANYTHING but “giving up”. Choosing this path requires great strength, love, and devotion. Choosing adoption means putting your child’s needs before your own. If you are considering this option, you are considering how to give your child a better life than the one you can provide right now.

If you are thinking about a Tennessee adoption, envision your child’s life with an adoptive family. What might that life look like? With a Tennessee open adoption, you can choose your child’s adoptive parent(s). You can ensure your child is raised in a safe, stable, and loving home full of joy and opportunities.

Adoption offers many benefits for birth parents and their children. Adoptions With Love has been working with Tennessee birth parents since 1986. At a reputable Tennessee adoption agency, expectant/birth parents can choose their child’s adoptive family and custom build the adoption plan that best meets their needs. You can choose between the following adoption plans:

The best adoption agencies will walk you through the Tennessee adoption process and help you design an adoption plan that helps you feel comfortable with – and confident in – your decision. This organization will also offer you supportive services at no cost to you. These services include financial assistance, legal support, counseling – before and after the adoption is complete – and more. The right Tennessee adoption agency will also treat you with respect, compassion, and dignity. This agency will make your health and well-being a top priority and ensure that you are never judged, criticized, or pressured into any of your decisions related to the pregnancy or adoption plan.

Pregnant in Tennessee? Get the Support You Deserve

Would you like to learn more about Tennessee adoption? Contact Adoptions With Love today. We can offer you information and answer your questions without any commitment or obligation. Call us any time of day, any day of the week at 800-722-7731, text us confidentially at 617-777-0072, or contact us online.

Contact Our Adoption Experts

Get in Touch
This site is registered on wpml.org as a development site. Switch to a production site key to remove this banner.