Tennessee GOP lawmakers advance bill that would criminalize adults helping minors get an abortion

Republican lawmakers in the Tennessee House advanced legislation that would make illegal an adult  helping a minor get an abortion without parental consent. 

“This bill is simply a parental rights bill,” said GOP Rep. Jason Zachary, according to The Associated Press.

Part of the legislation specifically calls for making it illegal for an adult to transport a minor across state lines to get an abortion procedure. 

Those who violate the proposed legislation would face a Class C felony, which could result in 15 years in prison and potentially $10,000 in fines.

Idaho has enacted a similar law but it has been blocked by a federal judge after a pro-choice group challenged it in court. 

Other states that have proposed similar legislation include Oklahoma and Missouri.