Today is election day. I voted. You should too. This is our means of having our voice heard.

There is an important issue on the line this year.  In TN an amendment is proposed that will allow state guided regulation on the abortion industry.  It in no way prevents or outlaws abortions, rather it makes it possible for lawmakers to set regulations for the abortion industry that are in place in many states.

While my visit to Great Clips for a haircut reveals that a hairdresser must have state certification and display their license, abortion clinics in this state do not need any such oversight.

The Tennessean published a Myth vs. Fact article on Amendment 1.

Here are some facts about the amendment, abortion in Tennessee and those on both sides of the campaign.

What the amendment says:

Nothing in this Constitution secures or protects a right to abortion or requires the funding of an abortion. The people retain the right through their elected state representatives and state senators to enact, amend, or repeal statutes regarding abortion, including, but not limited to, circumstances of pregnancy resulting from rape or incest or when necessary to save the life of the mother.

What the amendment would do:

If passed, the amendment would have no immediate effect on abortion in Tennessee. However, lawmakers would have more ability in the future to pass restrictions that the state Supreme Court has previously ruled were unconstitutional. A “yes” vote would give lawmakers this ability. A “no” vote would leave the state constitution unchanged.

If enacted, Tennessee would become the fourth state in the nation that has an abortion amendment in its constitution. The other three states are Arkansas, Colorado and Rhode Island.

What measures could lawmakers enact if Amendment 1 succeeds?

Examples of measures that lawmakers and others have spoken publicly about include:

• A waiting period before a woman seeking an abortion can obtain one.

• A requirement that doctors give women specifically worded information about abortions and fetal development crafted by lawmakers.

• A ban on abortions past a certain stage of fetal development.

• A requirement that abortion clinics meet the stricter standards of ambulatory surgical centers where typically more complex medical procedures are performed.

• An end to exceptions to abortion restrictions for women who are victims of rape or incest, or in cases in which a woman’s health is at risk.

The campaigns have been very different for the opposing sides.

“Yes on 1” is a grass roots effort creating groups in each county to speak in church, civic groups, and other forums to get the word out about the need for this amendment to pass.  They are using social media and primarily word of mouth.

Check out the website. www.yeson1tn.org  Here is a video addressing the issue.

“No on 1” is using a TV campaign of commercials funded by Planned Parenthood and ACLU.  Check out these ads. They are manipulative, do not address the issue, and appears to be designed to confuse the voter!

Don’t by the hype, Vote Yes on 1 today and make you voice heard for common sense protections of women.