TN Senate Passes Pro-Life Amendment to the
Tennessee Constitution SJR 127 without Hostile Amendment

Nashville, TN (March 31, 2004)—SJR 127 would allow Tennesseans to decide for themselves whether or not a broader right to abortion exists in the state constitution and as a result, allow for the restoration of these protective state laws.

The amendment resolution is sponsored by state Senator David Fowler (R-Signal Mountain) and state Representative Mike Turner (D-Nashville) and reads "Nothing in this Constitution secures or protects a right to abortion or the funding thereof. The legislature shall have the sole authority to make and shall make such provisions for abortion as it deems reasonably necessary for victims of rape, incest, and to save the life of the mother."

Following weeks of senate debate and effective pro-life grassroots lobbying, SJR 127 was passed 23-6 by the state Senate on March 31, 2004. Now the measure must be passed by the full House before this legislative session’s adjournment---a deadline which could come as quickly as the end of April.

The pro-life resolution has been assigned by House Leadership to “Public Health and Family Assistance Sub-Committee” a little known sub-committee of the full House Health Committee. Pro-life leaders had expected the resolution to be heard by the “Constitutional Protections committee or Judiciary, an expectation based largely upon the word of pro-life Rep. Chris Newton (R-Benton.)

“Regardless of where they try to hide the resolution, pro-life Tennesseans will continue to focus on effective passage before the end of session,” said Karen Brukardt, Lobbyist for Tennessee Right to Life. “Whether it’s judiciary or health, pro-life supporters will continue our push for SJR 127 without gutting amendments. No one should doubt that we will remain vigilant and will keep in mind any legislator who attempts to block or kill SJR 127,” said Brukardt.

“Regardless of their personal position on abortion, we call upon these committee members to allow the people to determine the appropriateness of these policies for ourselves,” said Brian Harris, President of Tennessee Right to Life.

“In a matter of life and death, shouldn’t every Tennessean have a say? Let the people vote!”