Tennessee advocates push for contraceptive bill as concerns rise over reproductive rights

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — A bill that would have clarified Tennessee's stance on contraceptives failed in committee Tuesday.

It would've differentiated between abortions and contraceptive products.

Lawmakers and medical professionals gathered in Nashville Tuesday, pushing for what they call a necessary safeguard to protect personal freedoms.

"It is something that 90% of Tennesseans want to see happen," Rep. Gloria Johnson says.

Supporters of the Contraceptive Freedom Act argue it's a no-brainer: access to birth control should be protected.

Representative Gloria Johnson, a bill sponsors, says the goal is simple - keep contraception accessible for everyone.

"This isn't just about access to contraception. It's about trusting people with their own lives and futures. It's about saying that in Tennessee - we believe in freedom, personal choice and the right to make decisions without government intervention."

But opponents argue this bill was unnecessary, saying there is no threat to access.

Representative Johnson says recent moves for Republican lawmakers have sparked concerns.

In 2022, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas suggested revisiting the right to contraception, and some federal lawmakers have called it "constitutionally unsound."

OBGYN Dr. Laura Anderson says there's a misconception that birth control causes abortion.

"Hormonal contraceptives and emergency contraception work by stopping ovulation. My medical society clearly states that available contraceptive options in the United States prevent pregnancy, they do not end it."

Dr. Anderson says the bill was about protecting Tennesseans from any future restrictions.

"I've been told over and over by our elected officials that there is no need to protect contraception because it's not being threatened - it reminds me of how many times I was told that Roe v. Wade would never fall."

Johnson says she just wants women to be able to plan when they want to start a family.

"It doesn't matter if they're Republicans, Independents or Democrats, everybody wants to have access to the contraceptive method that works for them."

Senator Charlane Oliver says the legislation would strengthen access to all forms of birth control - including condoms, the pill, and emergency contraception.

The bill is scheduled to be discussed next week in committee.

Govenor Bill Lee told our Nashville affiliate contraception is something we would protect when asked about the U.S. Right to Contraception Act.

According to the CDC, in 2019, around 65% of women aged 15-49 in the United States were using some form of contraception.