The Tennessee legislature has prioritized SB 194/HB 26, which would criminalize the mailing of safe, FDA-approved abortion medications like mifepristone and misoprostol. This harmful legislation would further restrict reproductive healthcare, making it harder for Tennesseans to access essential medical care.
This is part of an ongoing attack on abortion rights in Tennessee. After banning abortion entirely, politicians are now trying to stop out-of-state providers from mailing safe, effective medications to patients.
What Does SB 194/HB 26 Do?
If passed, this bill would:
- Criminalize the mailing of FDA-approved abortion medications – Even though mifepristone and misoprostol have been safely used for decades, this bill seeks to ban them from being mailed to patients in Tennessee.
- Impose excessive fines — up to $5 million — on providers – Out-of-state doctors who serve Tennessee patients could face crippling financial penalties simply for providing essential care.
- Undermine legal protections for doctors – Physicians offering guidance or assistance could face legal consequences, even when acting within their professional and ethical obligations.
- Expand government surveillance on reproductive healthcare – This bill would track and target providers outside Tennessee, a dangerous step toward nationwide abortion criminalization.
The Harmful Impact of SB 194/HB 26
- Further criminalizes reproductive healthcare – SB 194/HB 26 adds another barrier to medication abortion, a critical option for people seeking safe, early-term abortion care.
- Wastes taxpayer money on legal battles – Instead of addressing real healthcare issues, Tennessee politicians are pushing unconstitutional restrictions that will lead to costly lawsuits.
- Disproportionately harms low-income Tennesseans and rural communities – People already struggling with limited healthcare access will suffer most, as this bill cuts off one of the safest and most effective options for abortion care.
Follow the Money: Who Benefits?
If this bill is enacted, it would divert state resources toward policing and prosecuting healthcare providers instead of funding critical public health services.
Millions in taxpayer dollars would be spent enforcing this law, while Tennessee patients lose access to time-sensitive medical care.
By 2026, this policy could cost the state millions in enforcement and legal fees, further straining public health funding.
What’s at Stake?
Tennessee should be investing in expanding healthcare access, not criminalizing essential reproductive care.
We need policies that protect patients and doctors, not legislation that punishes providers and restricts individual rights.
Take Action
Tell your legislators to VOTE NO on SB 194/HB 26 and stop this dangerous attack on reproductive freedom before it’s too late.
➡️Click here to contact your representative
