Are there any exceptions for abortions in Tennessee?

Currently, the only exceptions are to save the life of the mother. The law’s narrow language only allows for legal abortion care if a patient’s life is at risk and to “prevent serious risk of substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function of the pregnant woman.” The 2023 abortion law now allows for lawful abortion care if a patient has an ectopic or molar pregnancy.

There are no other exceptions, not even for survivors of rape, incest, or human trafficking. The current law falls short of establishing clear exceptions to protect a mother’s health in all instances, and doctors could still face jail time if their medical judgment is questioned.