abortion protest

Protestors gathered in Nashville in May 2022 following the release of a draft U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning abortion rights protections.

 Photo: Hamilton Matt Masters

A bill establishing a limited carveout for doctors performing abortions is on its way to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk after passing in the Senate 26-1 Wednesday. 

SB0745/HB0883 lists ectopic pregnancy, a dead fetus and molar pregnancy as exceptions to Tennessee’s strict abortion ban. It allows doctors to use “reasonable medical judgment” to prevent death of a pregnant patient or spare them from the irreversible, severe impairment of a major bodily function. It also clarifies that no exception exists if a pregnant person threatens to end their life.