NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Legislation that would put new restrictions on the transfer of fetal remains from an abortion is close to getting to the governor.
The House on Thursday passed the Fetal Remains Act. The Senate already passed the measure but would have to approve a minor change before sending the bill to the governor.
Gov. Bill Haslam pushed for the legislation after the release of undercover videos filmed by anti-abortion activists that alleged that Planned Parenthood was illegally selling fetal tissue. A Texas grand jury cleared Planned Parenthood of wrongdoing and instead indicted two videographers on criminal charges.
The sale of fetal remains is illegal in Tennessee. The measure would make it a felony to be reimbursed for the costs of preparing, shipping or transferring an aborted fetus or fetal tissue.