Tennessee § 39-15-212 - Viability determination.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-15-212 — Viability determination., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 39-15-212. Viability determination.
Except in a medical emergency that prevents compliance with this subsection (a), no physician shall perform or induce, or attempt to perform or induce, an abortion upon a pregnant woman after the beginning of the twentieth week of pregnancy, as measured by gestational age, unless, prior to the performance or inducement of the abortion, or the attempt to perform or induce the abortion, the physician determines, in the physician's good faith medical judgment, that the unborn child is not viable. In making the good faith medical determination, the physician shall perform a medical examination of the pregnant woman and assess gestational age, weight, bi-parietal diameter, and other factors that the physician in the physician's good faith medical judgement would consider in determining whether an unborn child is viable. Except in a medical emergency that prevents compliance with this subsection (b), no physician shall perform or induce, or attempt to perform or induce, an abortion upon a pregnant woman after the beginning of her twentieth week of pregnancy (as measured by gestational age), without first entering the determination made in subsection (a) and the associated findings of the medical examination and assessment described in subsection (a) in the medical record of the pregnant woman. A violation of subsection (a) or (b) is a Class A misdemeanor. The appropriate licensing authority shall suspend, for a period of not less than six (6) months, the medical license of a physician who violates subsection (a) or (b). Acts 2017, ch. 353, § 3. Compiler's Notes. Acts 2017, ch. 353, § 1 provided that the act, which enacted this section, shall be known and may be cited as the “Tennessee Infants Protection Act.” Cross-References. Penalty for Class A misdemeanor, § 40-35-111 . Viability determination, § 39-15-212 .
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 39-15-212
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-15-212 cover?
Section 39-15-212 ("Viability determination.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Tennessee § 39-15-212?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-15-212" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Tennessee law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.
How does Tennessee § 39-15-212 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.