Tennessee Docs: Abortion Ban Harms Women

Tennessee physicians say ban has harmed the health and freedom of women

Marking one year since a total abortion ban took effect in Tennessee, doctors in the state are discussing the impact the policy has had on their patients. Specifically, a group of Tennessee doctors affiliated with the Protect My Care advocacy group say the law has negatively impacted reproductive healthcare.

Dr. Laura Andreson, an obstetrician/gynecologist practicing in Franklin, explains, “As a physician, I am primarily a patient advisor and advocate. But, this law divides me from my patient and creates unnecessary conflict in our relationship. This law makes me walk a line between providing evidence-based medical care and being forced to delay care until a patient's medical condition deteriorates to the point of becoming life-threatening."

Dr. Amy Gordon Bono, a primary care physician practicing in Mt. Juliet, says the law not only impacts freedom, but also the health of individuals.

"One year ago, when the total abortion ban came into effect, women were robbed of our individual freedoms, with a law so extreme that patients cannot make decisions about their own bodies in the privacy of the patient-physician relationship."

Dr. Heather Maune, an obstetrician/gynecologist practicing in Nashville, adds:

"It is imperative that every legislator understand that ethical doctors prevent and treat pregnancy complications. Physicians need to be allowed to practice ethical, evidence-based medicine, and we need to be able to act without hesitation."

Dr. Laura Andreson stand outside the Tennessee CapitolPhoto byProtect My Care