Abortion

Tennessee SB1004 is a law that clarifies the definition of a serious risk of substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function in relation to abortion laws. This means it provides more specific guidelines for when abortions may be legally performed under certain health-related conditions. The bill amends several sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated to incorporate this clarification.

TN SB1004 is a senate bill in the Tennessee 114th General Assembly, sponsored by Richard Briggs (R), currently “Passed” since April 29, 2025.

We track 9,160 Tennessee bills this session, 137 of them sponsored by Richard Briggs.

Supporters of SB1004 argue that the bill provides necessary clarity to protect the health of women facing serious medical risks. They believe it ensures that healthcare providers have clear guidelines to follow, ultimately safeguarding both the lives of women and their unborn children when critical health issues arise.

Critics of SB1004 contend that the bill could restrict access to necessary medical care for women, as the clarified definition may create additional barriers to obtaining abortions. They argue that this legislation may lead to confusion and fear among healthcare providers, potentially compromising women's health in critical situations.

The analysis of SB1004, which clarifies the definition of 'serious risk of substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function' in relation to criminal abortion, reveals no direct overlaps between the sponsor Richard Briggs' personal financial interests and the bill's subject matter. As a cardiothoracic surgeon employed by the University of Tennessee Medical Center, his professional role does not directly intersect with the legislative changes proposed in this bill, which primarily addresses legal definitions rather than medical practices or healthcare policy that would financially benefit him directly.

Additionally, while Briggs holds various positions in organizations related to health and finance, such as the American Heart Association and PNC Wealth Management, these roles do not create a conflict of interest regarding the specific provisions of SB1004. The bill's focus on legal definitions does not imply any financial gain for Briggs through his medical practice or investments. Therefore, the risk of personal financial gain influencing the legislative process appears minimal.

Unlike federal analysis based on campaign donations, state analysis examines legislators' personal financial interests — their jobs, businesses, and investments.

Items marked "AI-researched" are generated from public sources but have not been independently verified. Verified data is sourced from official legislature websites and disclosure filings.