Tennessee abortion amendment would classify some abortions as homicide

Two Tennessee Republican lawmakers have proposed an amendment that would apply homicide laws to people who end pregnancies; the amendment has not been formally filed and sponsors say it currently lacks clear Senate support.

Two Republican Tennessee lawmakers have floated an amendment to a bill that would apply homicide laws to people who end pregnancies. The sponsors are state Rep. Jody Barrett and state Sen. Mark Pody, and they have not formally filed the amendment. The text provided to a Nashville station says preborn children should receive the same criminal and civil protections as born persons. The underlying bill has been sent to the House Population Health Subcommittee and no calendar date has been set for consideration. Key facts: - The proposed amendment was announced by Rep. Jody Barrett and Sen. Mark Pody but has not been formally filed. - The amendment text seeks to treat preborn children under the same criminal and civil laws as born persons, which would allow homicide charges in some pregnancy terminations as reported. - Sponsors told reporters they plan to consult colleagues and that the measure does not currently have significant Senate support. - The related bill is in the House Population Health Subcommittee with no scheduled date for review. Summary: Lawmakers have proposed treating certain pregnancy terminations as homicide and say they will sound out colleagues while the amendment remains unfiled. The related bill is under subcommittee review and no calendar date has been set. Undetermined at this time.