Tennessee Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty Back Legislation That Would Ensure Abortion Data Is Reported Accurately and Completely

Tennessee Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Bill Hagerty (R-TN) joined 16 of their Senate colleagues on Friday in introducing legislation that would require states to report accurate and complete data about abortion—including cases where babies are born alive during abortions.

The Ensuring Accurate and Complete Abortion Reporting Data Act led by Iowa Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) would require states to report accurate and complete data about abortion as a condition for receiving certain Medicaid family-planning funds. It also requires states to report cases where babies are born alive during abortions, according to a press release by Ernst’s office.

As we celebrate @March_for_Life, I joined @SenJoniErnst & 17 colleagues on a bill to require accurate reporting of data on abortions & children who survive abortion attempts. This will prevent states from concealing information critical to developing legislation to protect life. pic.twitter.com/HtNxixm7tM

— Senator Bill Hagerty (@SenatorHagerty) January 21, 2022

Currently, states submit abortion data to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on a voluntary basis. Additionally, only a handful of states record cases where babies are born alive during abortions.

“Every single life is precious. Yet right now, only a handful of states record abortion data in a comprehensive and verifiably accurate way, including tragic cases where babies are born alive during abortions,” Ernst said in a statement. “This straightforward effort will require states to report abortion data accurately and completely, ensuring that no life is ever ignored, hidden, or forgotten.”

The full list of Senate cosponsors for the Ensuring Accurate and Complete Abortion Reporting Data Act includes: Tom Cotton (R-AR), Steve Daines (R-MT), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Braun (R-IN), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Ben Sasse (R-NE), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), John Boozman (R-AR), Rick Scott (R-FL), Roger Marshall (R-KS), John Thune (R-SD), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), and Tim Scott (R-SC).

The proposed legislation by Ernst, in addition to 17 of her colleagues, is also supported by the pro-life groups Susan B. Anthony List and Americans United for Life.

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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected]

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