KNOXVILLE, Tenn. ( WATE ) — State Representative Jason Zachary (R-Knoxville) has filed a controversial bill seeking to make “trafficking” a minor for an abortion illegal in Tennessee.
HB 1895, known as the “abortion trafficking of a minor” bill, was filed by Zachary’s staff on Monday, the anniversary of when Roe v. Wade was passed. According to the text of the bill, any adult who “recruits, harbors, or transports a pregnant unemancipated minor,” for a “criminal abortion,” helps that minor obtain abortion-inducing medication, or “conceals an act constituting a criminal abortion” could be charged with a Class C Felony.
The bill states that it is not a defense if the pregnant minor consented to the abortion. The bill also does not include any exclusions for pregnancies caused by incest, rape, or include any protection for adults who were assisting a pregnant minor who faced abuse or neglect by their parent or guardians.
It is also unclear if an individual who was told by a third party about the abortion but had no role in facilitating it, would face the same felony charge.