TRL Legislative Update on SJR 110; More Calls Needed

March 30, 2002: 

Efforts to move our pro-life resolution forward in the state house continue in the face of growing opposition from pro-abortion forces. Representatives of Planned Parenthood, ACLU and the Womens Political Caucus are actively urging the defeat of SJR 110 claiming that it would "reduce women's constitutional rights" in Tennessee. In addition, sources hint that the bar association may soon join the pro-abortion factions in opposing this pro-life initiative. 

SJR 110 is a resolution calling for a public referendum on whether or not the Tennessee Supreme Court ruled appropriately in 2000 when they established a "fundamental right to abortion" within the state constitution. In deciding "Planned Parenthood of Middle Tennessee vs. Sundquist," the court majority ruled that the Tennessee Constitution provides even greater protection for abortion than the federal constitution as interpreted under Roe v. Wade. 

As a result even the most basic, common-sense protections were stripped from the state law books including a 48 hour waiting period, informed consent for women considering abortion and a requirement that second trimester abortions be performed in regulated hospitals rather than outpatient abortion clinics. SJR 110 would nullify the court's terrible ruling and allow for the restoration of these protective laws. It should be noted, SJR 110 does not seek to criminalize abortion. It simply returns the matter to the people of Tennessee and their elected representatives at the legislature rather than being decided by 5 judges. 

SJR 110 overwhelmingly passed the state senate in May 2001 by a vote of 21-10. Currently the resolution is being held in the pro-abortion dominated Health Access Subcommittee of the House where it is now expected to be heard on Wednesday, April 3 at 9:00 a.m. 

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED IMMEDIATELY: If you have not contacted your state representative regarding SJR 110 please do so at once. If you have already called, please urge 5 pro-life friends to do the same. As the pro-abortion forces step up their efforts to defend the Supreme Court, we must redouble our efforts to speak for the majority of Tennesseans who support these common-sense laws and protections. 

Whether or not your representative is a member of the health access subcommittee, they must be assured that the restoration of pro-life protections is vitally important to the 'folks back home.' If you do not know your legislator or if you need contact information log onto www.tnrtl.org and insert your zip code on the home page. Letters to the Editor in support of SJR 110 would be especially effective and links to local media outlets are also available on our site. 

In addition, contacts are needed to Speaker Jimmy Naifeh who has spearheaded an effort to reach an acceptable 'compromise' version of the resolution. He should be thanked and urged to allow a full and fair hearing by the entire house where our resolution enjoys the support of 54 co-sponsors. We have the votes to win if we can get it to the house floor! Speaker Naifeh can be reached at 615-741-3774. 

Finally, the following legislators sit on the Health Access Subcommittee. Polite but firm phone calls and emails should be directed to: 
Chairman John Arriola 615-741-1852 
Rep. Mary Pruitt 615-741-3853 
Rep. Brenda Turner 615-741-6381 
Rep. Lois DeBerry 615-741-3830 
Rep. Sherry Jones 615-741-2035 
Rep. Gene Caldwell 615-741-4400 
Rep. Glen Casada 615-741-4389 
Rep. Diane Black 615-741-1999 

Every opportunity between now and Wednesday, April 3 should be taken to promote a "YES" vote on SJR 110. Flyers, church bulletin inserts, petitions, talking points and ad slicks are available from the state office of TRL.

To contact your legislator in support of SJR 110, click here or call toll free 1-877-CHOOSE LIFE for more information. Please encourage pro-life friends to do the same.