Far too many lawmakers have no issue in taking care and basic human rights away from women. Tennessee is no stranger to draconian ways of punishing women, particularly those dealing with healthcare access and reproductive rights. A woman recently spoke at a Tennessee town hall after being shocked by how blatantly cruel an OB-GYN treated her. The reason? She was having a child out of wedlock. Where are they finding these OB-GYN, in the 1920s?
Shared by @therecount on TikTok, the 35-year-old woman took the stage at a town hall meeting in Jonesborough, Tennessee. She explained that she has been with her partner for 15 years and has a 13-year-old daughter. Continuing, “I just had my first visit and that provider told me that thanks to [Tennessee’s 2025 Medical Ethics Defense Act], they were not comfortable treating me because I am an unwed mother, and that goes against their Christian values.”
The Act when into effect in April 2025, allowing providers to deny care based on moral and religious beliefs. Imagine speaking to your doctor and telling them you don’t go to church because you aren’t religious, and they respond with, “I can no longer be your doctor and you’ll have to seek care elsewhere.” Why is this being legally permitted under the law? It’s vile, draconian, and as we’ve now seen, dangerous to women.
The woman who took the stage continued, “I’m lucky enough to live in a part of the state where I can seek care across state lines.” For this woman, she plans to travel to Virginia for her prenatal care. But what about those who don’t have the luxury of traveling for care after being denied?
This outright and unnecessary hatred against women has to come to an end. For this woman, she has personally taken action for herself and for others who may be going through it. She has repeatedly filed complaints with the Department of Commerce and Insurance, and the American Medical Association. Unfortunately, the provider who denied the care will not receive repercussions for their blatantly disgusting actions and choice to judge a mother.
This definitely shines a light on how backwards Tennessee and many other surrounding states are when it comes to their laws against women. A commenter pointed out the hypocrisy with, “Mary. Mary the mother of Jesus was an unwed mother.” Another bluntly stated, “It’s not a pro life thing. It’s a pro control over women’s choices thing.” A third commenter said in total disbelief, “That is absolutely unethical. If you can’t treat patients without discrimination you shouldn’t be in that field.” I couldn’t agree more with that sentiment.
