In the latest attempt by lawmakers to curb abortions, the Republican-controlled Tennessee Legislature is considering a bill that would require the state to publish the names of doctors who perform abortions, along with demographic statistics that critics say could "out" some patients and potentially subject doctors and women to intimidation or even violent attacks. The bill's sponsor says he only wants to use information the state already collects to give the public a better sense of how prevalent abortions are. Is this about informing the public, or painting a bulls eye on abortion providers?
This reckless bill would put lives in danger: Tennessee lawmakers are going "out of their way to put a target on a law-abiding person's back," says The Tennessean in an editorial. Anti-abortion extremists have killed doctors in the past — Dr. George Tiller of Kansas in 2009; Dr. John Bayard Britton and his bodyguard in Florida in 1994; and Dr. David Gunn of Alabama in 1993, "to name a few." The only reason for this bill is to remind abortion providers that if they keep it up, they could be next.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.