1. What is the Abortion Waiting Period in Tennessee?

The Abortion Waiting Period in Tennessee is 48 hours. Any woman seeking an abortion must wait 48 hours after their initial consultation with a healthcare provider before the procedure can take place.

2. How Long is the Abortion Waiting Period in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, the waiting period for an abortion is 48 hours.

3. Are There Mandatory Counseling Requirements for Abortion Waiting Periods in Tennessee?

Yes, there are mandatory counseling requirements for abortion waiting periods in Tennessee. All patients seeking an abortion must undergo two separate counseling sessions. During the first session, the patient will receive information about the abortion procedure and alternatives to abortion. During the second session, the patient will receive information about medical risks associated with the procedure and available resources for parenting and adoption. The patient must then wait at least 48 hours before the abortion can be performed.

4. Does Tennessee have a Parental Consent Requirement for Minors Seeking Abortions?

Yes, Tennessee does have a parental consent requirement for minors seeking abortions. Minors must obtain written consent from a parent or legal guardian before receiving an abortion.

5. Does Tennessee Require an Ultrasound Prior to Obtaining an Abortion?

Yes. Tennessee does require an ultrasound prior to obtaining an abortion.

6. Does Tennessee Allow Minors to Waive the Waiting Period for Abortions?

No, minors in Tennessee are not allowed to waive the 48-hour waiting period for abortions. All minors must receive written permission from a parent or guardian before having an abortion.

7. Does Tennessee Allow the Use of Telemedicine for Abortions?

No, Tennessee does not allow the use of telemedicine for abortions.

8. Does Tennessee Prohibit Health Insurance Coverage for Abortions?

Yes. Tennessee state law prohibits the provision of health insurance coverage for abortions, except in cases where it is medically necessary or the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.

9. Is There a Mandatory Delay for Abortions in Tennessee?

Yes, Tennessee has a 48-hour mandatory delay for abortions. Additionally, a woman must receive state-directed counseling that includes information designed to discourage her from having an abortion, and then wait 24 hours before the procedure is provided.

10. Does Tennessee Place Restrictions on Late Term Abortions?

Yes. Tennessee places restrictions on late-term abortions. The state prohibits abortions after viability unless the abortion is necessary to prevent serious health risk to the pregnant woman. Additionally, the state requires that the procedure is performed in a licensed hospital and must be approved by two additional physicians.

11. Is There a Ban on Certain Types of Abortions in Tennessee?

Yes. In Tennessee, there is a ban on abortions after 24 weeks, unless it is deemed medically necessary to save the life of the mother. Additionally, in 2019 a bill was passed that requires a 48-hour waiting period before an abortion is performed; this law was blocked by a federal court in February 2020.

12. What are the Contraceptive Access Requirements in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, individuals must be at least 18 years of age to obtain contraception without parental consent. Individuals 18 and over may obtain contraception from a doctor, family planning clinic, or pharmacy without a prescription. Insurance coverage for contraception is dependent upon insurance plan carrier. Free or low-cost contraception may be available through government-funded family planning clinics. The Tennessee Department of Health provides additional information about contraception access in the state.

13. Is There a Refusal Clause in Place in Tennessee for Providers Who Object to Performing Abortions?

Yes, there is a refusal clause in place in Tennessee for providers who object to performing abortions. The Tennessee Health Care Freedom of Conscience Act (House Bill 2493/Senate Bill 2590), which was signed into law in 2012, protects the right of conscience for health care providers who object to participating in abortion, sterilization, assisted reproduction, and end-of-life practices. The law outlines the rights of health care providers and requires that all licensed health care facilities include a clause in their written policies regarding the rights of conscience for both employees and patients.

14. Does Tennessee Require Domestic Violence Counseling Before an Abortion?

Tennessee does not require domestic violence counseling before an abortion. However, healthcare providers may choose to provide counseling services if they believe it is necessary for the patient’s well-being.

15. Is Sex Education Required Prior to Obtaining an Abortion in Tennessee?

No, sex education is not required prior to obtaining an abortion in Tennessee. However, Tennessee does require that a patient receive state-directed counseling that includes information designed to discourage the patient from having an abortion, and to inform the patient of the various medical risks associated with abortion and childbirth. This counseling must take place 24 hours prior to the abortion, and the patient must receive written materials containing this information.

16. Does Tennessee Provide Public Funding for Abortions?

No, Tennessee does not provide public funding for abortions.

17. Are There Any Exceptions to the Abortion Waiting Period in Tennessee?

Yes, there are exceptions to the abortion waiting period in Tennessee. The law states that a woman may be exempt from the 48-hour waiting period if:

1. Her life is in danger;
2. The pregnancy is the result of rape or incest; or
3. A medical emergency exists.

Additionally, minors seeking an abortion must obtain a notarized parental consent form before having the procedure. This form may also exempt them from the 48-hour waiting period, if it is determined to be in their best interests.

18. Is There a 24 Hour Waiting Period Before an Abortion inTennessee?

Yes, there is a 24 hour waiting period in Tennessee before an abortion. A woman seeking an abortion must receive counseling from a licensed medical professional, typically at the facility where the abortion will be performed. After counseling, a woman must wait 24 hours before she can legally obtain an abortion.

19. What Happens if the Physician Waives the Waiting Period in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, a physician can waive the 48-hour waiting period that is required before a woman can have an abortion. This waiver is only valid in cases where the physician deems the abortion to be necessary in order to protect the life or health of the patient. The physician must still provide the patient with counseling prior to performing the abortion.

20. Is Informed Consent Required Before an Abortion in Tennessee?

Yes. Informed consent is required before an abortion in Tennessee. Under Tennessee law, a woman must be provided with certain information prior to consenting to an abortion. This includes the gestational age of the fetus, the medical risks of the procedure, and other information about abortion services and parental notification requirements.