(a) It is the intent of the general assembly in enacting this parental consent provision to further the important and compelling state interests of:

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Terms Used In Tennessee Code 37-10-301

  • Abortion: means the use of any instrument, medicine, drug, or any other substance or device with intent to terminate the pregnancy of a woman known to be pregnant with intent other than to increase the probability of a live birth, to preserve the life or health of the child after live birth, or to remove a dead fetus. See Tennessee Code 37-10-302
  • Minor: means any person under eighteen (18) years of age. See Tennessee Code 37-10-302
  • State: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the several territories of the United States. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105
(1) Protecting minors against their own immaturity;
(2) Fostering the family structure and preserving it as a viable social unit; and
(3) Protecting the rights of parents to rear children who are members of their household.
(b) The general assembly finds as fact that:

(1) Immature minors often lack the ability to make fully informed choices that take into account of both immediate and long-range consequences;
(2) The medical, emotional, and psychological consequences of abortion are serious and can be lasting, particularly when the patient is immature;
(3) The capacity to become pregnant and the capacity for mature judgment concerning the wisdom of an abortion are not necessarily related;
(4) Parents ordinarily possess information essential to a physician’s exercise of the physician’s best medical judgment concerning the child; and
(5) Parents who are aware that their minor daughter has had an abortion may better ensure that their daughter receives adequate medical attention after the abortion.
(c) The general assembly further finds that parental consultation is usually desirable and in the best interests of the minor.
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