Please Read: the bill for which we have been advocating is in immediate jeopardy:
As you are probably aware, the Sexual Assault Center has been advocating for rape survivors to have the option of a safe and legal abortion from a pregnancy resulting from a rape, if they so choose. Sexual Assault Center has been working with Sen. Haile (R) and Rep. Rudder (R) with this bill’s amendment language because we understand the complex journeys and pain of rape survivors and believe strongly in their rights as victims of assault. The Rape Exception bill is not a Pro Choice or a Pro Life bill, it is a bill about compassion and care for rape survivors in very special circumstances. Whether you fall on one or the other side in the broader abortion debate, this is an issue around which we can and should unite - no rape victim should be forced to carry the child of their assailant. This is a victim advocacy issue that is core to the mission of SAC.
The amendments to be presented next Tuesday are a GIANT step in the right direction, although they do not address the full spectrum of victims’ needs. Now we need both Republican and Democrat lawmakers to support this bill now…they want to see that people care about this issue! Right now, the voices of those OPPOSED to the amendment are ahead in this struggle. If this voice prevails, the exception will not pass. Please help us spread the word and rally support to urge lawmakers to support the Rape Exception bill.
- Call and email every person on the Senate Judiciary Committee listed below.
- Join us on the hill at the Capitol steps this Monday afternoon, Feb 27th from 2-3pm, for a gathering and press conference
- Wear teal & black and make nonpartisan, compassionate signs! Please remember, we are working to bring victim advocates together who have varying political associations and beliefs on abortion. Let’s choose our words and actions to unite supporters and to honor the rights of rape survivors and their recovery journey.
- Join us on the hill Tuesday, Feb 28th, Cordell Hull, Senate Hearing Room I, 3:00pm, for the hearing of the bill
- Wear Teal & Black but no need for signs as it will be packed in the room.
Click here to add your name and contact information to the list for ongoing updates.
Email/ call Script:
Hello XXXX, As a victim advocate, I urge you to support SB0857 allowing victims of rape who become pregnant from their assault, to have the option of a safe and legal abortion. I truly believe this is not a pro-choice or pro-life issue but one of compassion and showing victims TN cares about you. A rape victim should not be forced to have their rapist's baby in Tennessee; let’s come together and be better than that! Thank you for your consideration!
Contact Information for calls and emails.
We still have meetings scheduled with several of the Senators below. Please encourage them to keep the meeting with SAC in your calls!
Sen. Todd Gardenhire, Chair, 615-741-6682, sen.todd.gardenhire@capitol.tn.gov; rita.redmond@capitol.tn.gov
Sen, Dawn White, Vice-Chair, 615-741-6853, sen.dawn.white@capitol.tn.gov; jessica.bryant@capitol.tn.gov
Meeting scheduled for Tuesday before hearing
Sen. Paul Rose, 2nd Vice-Chair, 615-741-1967, sen.paul.rose@capitol.tn.gov
Meeting scheduled for Tuesday before hearing
Sen. Sara Kyle,615-741-4167, sen.sara.kyle@capitol.tn.gov
Trying to reschedule meeting
Sen. London Lamar, 615-741-2509,
sen.london.lamar@capitol.tn.gov; claire.patton@capitol.tn.gov; makenzie.mosby@capitol.tn.gov
Meeting scheduled for Tuesday before hearing
Sen Jon Lundberg, 615-741-5761, sen.jon.lundberg@capitol.tn.gov; amy.darnall@capitol.tn.gov
Meeting scheduled for Tuesday before hearing
Sen. Kerry Roberts, 615-741-4499, sen.kerry.roberts@capitol.tn.gov; janet.batchelor@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. John Stevens, 615-741-4576, sen.john.stevens@capitol.tn.gov; sue.lusk@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. Brent Taylor, 615-741-3036, sen.brent.taylor@capitol.tn.gov; lenekra.hill@capitol.tn.gov
Thanks for your partnership and support!