Report: Woman near Tri-Cities denied healthcare under new Tennessee ethics law

A published report based out of Jonesborough says the first reported case of a woman being denied healthcare under Tennessee’s new Medical Ethics Defense Act took place near the Tri-Cities.

The patient who spoke with Tennessee Repro News said the physician told her to seek treatment elsewhere because they did not feel comfortable treating her because she was an unwed mother and that went against their values.

The ethics law went into effect in April and allows physicians, healthcare providers and insurance carriers in Tennessee to deny service due to their religious, moral or ethical beliefs. The patient remarks in the story said she is in fear of a Tennessee doctor not providing her with necessary treatments during pregnancy and delivery.

She also noted that she now travels to Virginia to receive medical care. Tennessee Repro News said the patient requested to stay anonymous for safety concerns.

(IMAGE: Legacy Shots by Sharan Sathya & Pexels / Published Report: From Tennessee Repro News & Author Rachel Wells)