Amendment #1 Debate Will Be Decided On Nov. 4

In less than six weeks, Tennessee voters will decide on a controversial abortion amendment.
Known as “Amendment #1,” a “yes” vote would alter the state constitution and allow state lawmakers to enact tighter restrictions on abortions in Tennessee.
A “no” vote would maintain the status quo.
Voters will be faced with the decision in the State General Election on November 4.
The restrictions would include licensure for abortion facilities, inspections of those facilities, and a 48-hour waiting period for women seeking an abortion.
If the amendment passes, basic abortion rights would still be protected under the United States Supreme Court decision in Roe vs. Wade.
The full amendment, requiring a “yes” or “no” vote, will appear on the November 4 ballot as follows:
“Shall Article I, of the Constitution of Tennessee be amended by adding the following language as a new, appropriately designated section: Nothing in this Constitution secures or protects a right to abortion or requires the funding of an abortion. The people retain the right through their elected state representatives and state senators to enact, amend, or repeal statutes regarding abortion, including, but not limited to, circumstances of pregnancy resulting from rape or incest or when necessary to save the life of the mother.”