Thousands of women in Tennessee are encountering hurdles when seeking abortion care, particularly those on probation or parole who require permission to travel out of the state. Dr. Mary Jane Brown spoke to a diverse audience outside Nashville's courthouse on Aug. 25, shedding light on the obstacles posed by Tennessee's comprehensive abortion ban.
With the overturning of Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court two years ago, access to abortion services has significantly decreased, compelling individuals to undertake lengthy journeys to access care. Tennessee stands out with its stringent ban, criminalizing the act of traveling to nearby states like Illinois for abortion services.
For women under probation or parole, securing approval to travel for abortion care proves to be a formidable challenge. A recent report from the Prison Policy Initiative disclosed that approximately 80% of women under probation or parole live in states with limited abortion options, with their ability to seek care elsewhere subject to the discretion of authorities such as probation or parole officers. Typically, individuals under supervision face disparities due to limited financial resources and lack of health insurance coverage.
In Tennessee, the probation and parole processes fall under the jurisdiction of the department of correction. Despite efforts by the media to seek clarification regarding the department's stance on permitting women to travel out of state for abortion care, the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) chose to remain silent, leaving over 16,000 women under probation or parole supervision in the state in a precarious situation.