(NASHVILLE) – House Republicans Leaders, including Republican Caucus Chairman Ryan Williams (R-Cookeville) and House Majority Leader Glen Casada (R-Thompson’s Station), today applauded a federal court’s decision to protect Tennessee’s unborn children.
Passed in 2014, Amendment I restored the right of Tennessee citizens to have a voice regarding the state’s pro-life stance. The measure also empowered the Republican-led General Assembly to amend and repeal state laws related to abortion.
“Today’s ruling is a tremendous victory for the citizens of this state and for our most innocent,” said Chairman Williams. “As Republican leaders, we have a responsibility to support measures that ensure all life is protected, especially our unborn children.”
More votes were cast on Amendment I than were cast in the 2014 governor’s race — a clear sign that Tennesseans haven’t been and remain passionate about pro-life issues. Amendment I initially passed by 53 percent of voters in November 2014, but was later challenged by a pro-abortion group and a federal judge in Nashville who opposed the sanctity of life.
In recent years, House Republicans have fought to protect our state’s unborn children. During the 2017 legislative session, they passed the Tennessee Infants Protection Act; this initiative prohibits abortions after 24 weeks — except in medical emergency —and requires testing to determine viability of an unborn child if a women is at least 20 weeks pregnant. It also holds physicians who perform late-term abortions accountable for their actions.
The Tennessee Infants Protection Act is the latest in a series of initiatives that demonstrates House Republicans’ continued commitment to protecting our state’s unborn children.
“The people of Tennessee have spoken, and we hear them loud and clear,” said Leader Casada. “We will continue to fight for our unborn children and give them a voice in our General Assembly because we respect life and the beliefs of the majority of the citizens of this state.”