House passes Fertility Treatment and Contraceptive Protection Act after heated floor debate over embryos and emergency contraceptives

After several hours of floor debate, the Tennessee House passed Senate Bill 449 (considered on the floor as House Bill 533/substitute) on third and final consideration, enacting the “Fertility Treatment and Contraceptive Protection Act,” which the sponsor described as codifying the right of individuals to engage in fertility treatments and to access contraceptives and the right of health-care providers to provide those services. The bill’s sponsor told members the measure “does not mandate coverage nor impact regulations.” The House recorded the final vote as 54 ayes, 30 nays and 7 present/not voting; the Speaker declared the bill passed.

On the floor, the sponsor said the law would protect access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and contraceptives in Tennessee, and asked members to codify the access into state law. The bill generated sustained debate from members concerned it would make future regulation difficult, and from members who said…