MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The best example of just how out of touch the Tennessee legislature really is – comes courtesy of the latest statewide poll from Vanderbilt University.
It shows overwhelming support for exceptions to the state’s highly restrictive abortion ban. In general, 37 percent of poll respondents identified themselves as definitely pro-choice – compared to 36 percent who said they are definitely pro-life. That’s a remarkable change given just how conservative Tennessee has become over the past decade.
The pro-choice percentage has jumped about 15 points over the last 10 years and it no doubt increased dramatically after the Supreme Court this year struck down Roe versus Wade.
And yet, our Republican controlled legislature passed one of America’s most draconian abortion laws. The law bans virtually all abortions anywhere in the state – and makes no exceptions for rape, incest or to protect the life and health of the mother. But across the political spectrum, respondents in the Vanderbilt Poll said there most certainly should be exceptions. Even 45 percent of people identified as MAGA Republicans support exceptions – and 72 percent of non-MAGA Republicans agree with exceptions. A whopping 93 percent of Democrats favor exceptions – as do 78 percent of Independents.
So let’s hope these findings lead to changes in the state’s abortion ban when the legislature convenes in January. If it doesn’t, we will know for sure that our lawmakers and governor are officially tone deaf.