TN Rep. Hakeem’s proposed abortion exception bill fails subcommittee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) – State Representative Yusuf Hakeem was expected to present an abortion exception bill to the state’s health committee Tuesday. 

However, according to the Tennessee General Assembly website, the bill failed in the Population Health Subcommittee of Health Committee. The Population Health Subcommittee met at 3 p.m. CT on February 6.

Hakeem believed it was a priority to introduce House Bill 1884. 

The bill would remove some restrictions from the state’s current adoration law.

Representative Hakeem says he wants abortion exceptions to be made for women who are raped. 

The bill would also provide an exception for abortions that were “necessary” if there is a medical emergency affecting the mother’s physical or mental health.

“As introduced, specifies that the offense of criminal abortion does not include an abortion that was necessary due to a medical emergency affecting the physical or mental health of the pregnant person or performed on a patient whose pregnancy was the result of rape or incest.”

“We do not think it is appropriate to allow this type of trauma to be rewarded for that person who committed rape. To be able to say that they have a child, and of course they’re not assisting that child in any way,” said State Representative, Yusuf Hakeem. 

Representative Hakeem believes this bill is narrower and more focused compared to what is currently on the books in Tennessee. 

The bill was filed in the House on January 22.