Committee rejects bill to enshrine right to contraception amid concerns about future restrictions

On March 18, 2025 the Population Health Subcommittee considered House Bill 12 20, a measure sponsored by Representative Kristen Johnson to affirm a statutory right to contraception and affordable contraceptives, and the committee rejected the bill with a 2–6 vote. The sponsor said the statute would "affirm right to contraception in Tennessee" and would protect access and affordability in anticipation of future legislative efforts to restrict contraceptives.

Johnson told the committee that while contraceptives are currently available in Tennessee, she had heard statements from members of the legislature and elsewhere suggesting future attempts to curb some contraceptive methods. She described public‑health benefits tied to contraceptive access, citing reduced unintended and adolescent pregnancies and improved economic outcomes for women. In testimony she referenced Colorado research she said led to a 40 percent drop in unintended pregnancy when contraception was made affordable statewide.

Committee members questioned whether contraception is already readily available. Chairman Kilmore asked "would you not agree that contraception is freely available to people at this time in the state of Tennessee?" Johnson replied that availability exists today but said the bill is intended to protect those rights going forward.

The clerk announced the committee tally as 2 ayes and 6 nos; the committee also noted the sponsor's statement that House Bill 12 20 was already dead in the Senate. The bill failed in the Population Health Subcommittee and will not advance from this committee.