May 15, 2009: Protect Privacy and Women's Rights - OPPOSE SJR127

Dear ACLU-TN Legislative Alert Network:                    

Two important bills impacting the rights of women in Tennessee are on the calendar for this coming week.

Removing Right to Abortion - OPPOSE 

SJR0127 (Black), the bill that would remove the right to abortion from the state constitution, is up for its third and final reading on the House floor Monday, May 18 at 4:00 p.m.

This bill opens the door to amend the State Constitution to take away the privacy protection as it pertains to women seeking abortions.  Were Roe v. Wade to be overturned, and our State Constitution to be amended, women in Tennessee would not be protected under the current state constitutional right to privacy that ensures a woman can obtain an abortion. The Tennessee legislature would then be able to ban abortion and women in Tennessee would not be able to obtain a safe and legal abortion in Tennessee.

The Senate passed SJR0127 24 to 8 on 3/23/09.  Unfortunately the bill is being supported on both sides of the aisle by legislators who believe they must support the resolution in order to win re-election. Tell your House Representative you want him to vote NO on SJR127. While it seems likely that SJR127 will pass the House as well, we ask that you continue to contact your house representatives and tell them to vote NO.

For talking points on SJR127, click here.

Prohibit Shackling of Pregnant Inmates - SUPPORT

HB1437 (Harwell) prohibits the use of restraints on pregnant incarcerated women in Tennessee jails or prisons unless the inmate presents a serious safety or flight risk.

The Senate passed the companion bill, SB1209 (Woodson), 32 – 0 on 3/30/09.

HB1437 will be heard in the House Calendar & Rules Committee on Tuesday, 5/19/09 at 8:00 a.m. in LP 16.

For talking points on HB1437, click here.

The easiest way to identify your legislators is to visit http://www.capitol.tn.gov, go to “Find My Legislator,” put in your address and click “search.” 

Many thanks for using your voice to protect our constitutional freedoms.

Hedy