Tennessee · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026) · Bill

HB 2523: Health Care - As introduced, enacts the "Maternal Health Care Protection Act," which prohibits the exercise of a healthcare provider's right of conscience under the Medical Ethics Defense Act from allowing the provider to refuse to participate in or pay for pregnancy-related healthcare procedures, treatments, or services that are within the scope of the provider's license and professional obligations; prohibits the exercise of such right from allowing a healthcare institution or healthcare payer to adopt or enforce a policy, guideline, or contractual provision that results in the denial of pregnancy-related healthcare procedures, treatments, or services. - Amends TCA Title 63, Chapter 1, Part 9.

In committee Last action March 10, 2026: Sponsor(s) Added.

Plain-language summary

HB 2523 is a bill introduced in the Tennessee House on February 3, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Health Care - As introduced, enacts the "Maternal Health Care Protection Act," which prohibits the exercise of a healthcare provider's right of conscience under the Medical Ethics Defense Act from allowing the provider to refuse to participate in or pay for pregnancy-related healthcare procedures, treatments, or services that are within the scope of the provider's license and professional obligations; prohibits the exercise of such right from allowing a healthcare institution or healthcare payer to adopt or enforce a policy, guideline, or contractual provision that results in the denial of pregnancy-related healthcare procedures, treatments, or services. - Amends TCA Title 63, Chapter 1, Part 9. Primary sponsor: Aftyn Behn (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (March 10, 2026): Sponsor(s) Added.

Sponsors

Primary sponsor: Aftyn Behn (Democratic).