Politics & Government
TN Bill Allows Rapist's Family, Friends To Sue Over Abortion
Modeled after a similar law in Texas, HB 2779 bans nearly all abortions and deputizes citizens to file lawsuits against providers.
MEMPHIS, TN — A bill moving through the Tennessee House of Representatives would deputize a rapist's family members, friends, spouse, or neighbors, allowing them to sue anyone who helps or provides the victim with an abortion.
The House of Representatives health subcommittee passed the bill this week, according to a report by Today. Modeled after the 6-week abortion ban in Texas, HB 2779 would give any citizen the power to sue another if they're suspected of helping, referring, or providing abortion care after a fetal heartbeat is detected.
Victims could not be sued under the bill, according to Today.
Find out what's happening in Memphisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Unlike the abortion ban in Texas, Tennessee's bill would ban abortion entirely, without a 6-week window and without any exception for rape or incest.
The bill now goes before a full committee hearing, scheduled later this month
Find out what's happening in Memphisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.