Group files lawsuit to block new TN abortion law

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A pro-reproductive rights organization filed a lawsuit against the state of Tennessee, days before a new law goes into effect that would make it a crime to transport a minor across state lines for an abortion.

The non-profit behind the lawsuit says this bill has untold complications.

“This opens up a can of worms that I don’t know that we really are paying attention to,” said Cherisse Scott, CEO and founder Sister Reach.

It’s requesting the courts to declare an abortion trafficking bill unconstitutional or temporarily restrain it from going into effect July 1.

Signed into law this past month by Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, a person could face a misdemeanor or 11 months in jail for taking a young person to get an abortion either within or beyond state lines.

“How would the law be able to tell if I am in the car with a child, and I am crossing the state line with a child, how would you know that child is going to get an abortion and who I am in relation to that child unless you stop us?” Scott asked.

Scott says the potential for government overreach worries her saying this type of decision needs to be left to that young person and or their parent or legal guardian if they are not emancipated.

In the 40-page lawsuit Scott and her co-plaintiff, a non-profit based out of Illinois, say gray areas in the law could cause discriminatory practices for enforcement.

Both non-profits offer support to any person seeking reproductive care or education.

According to the law, a parent must give written and notarized consent to travel for an abortion.

“We appreciate to a certain extent that a child could be given consent to go across state lines, but that’s yet another hurdle that child has to overcome,” Scott said.

There are possible hurdles for young people who come from various backgrounds, whether they be unhoused, queer, or of color.

“Many times for some children, that could mean that they could be made homeless, you know who is going to be there to navigate the conversation between parent and child if that child was trying to do that secretly right there are still realities,” Scott said.

WREG reached out to the states attorney general’s office, who was named in this lawsuit, but at this time we have not heard back.

Ccott says she and her legal team are still in talks for next steps and find new ways to tackle this piece of legislation.

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