Impact of abortion challenges in Tennessee - Axios

Impact of abortion challenges in Tennessee

Data: Axios Research; Cartogram: Sara Wise and Oriana Gonzalez/Axios

Tennessee is one of at least 12 states where nearly all abortions would become illegal if the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

Why it matters: That scenario has taken on new significance as the high court considers a series of challenges to restrictive abortion measures in Texas and Mississippi.

The Supreme Court on Monday heard arguments in two cases related to a new Texas law, and a majority of the justices seemed open to allowing the cases to move forward.
The justices have so far allowed the restrictive law, which bans most abortions after about six weeks, to stay in place despite ongoing legal wrangling.
Next month, the high court is set to consider a law restricting abortions in Mississippi about 15 weeks into a pregnancy. That case directly challenges Roe v. Wade.

Between the lines: Anti-abortion activists see the court's 6-3 conservative majority as an opening to eliminate or chip away at the precedent set by Roe v. Wade, which has allowed for abortions nationwide since 1973.

Tennessee has passed a series of restrictive abortion measures in recent years, although many restrictions have been put on hold while legal challenges are underway in lower courts.
Hundreds of abortion rights activists gathered in Nashville last month to protest efforts to limit access to the procedure.

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