Pro Life

Rep. Terry Clarifies Newly Adopted Tennessee Abortion Law

January 3, 2019 By Admin

Several new laws have now taken effect January 1. One new law surrounding abortion that has taken effect is Public Chapter 862. It says that if an abortion provider performs an ultrasound prior to an abortion(they almost always perform one), then they must offer the opportunity to the woman to learn the results. If the woman wants the results, the abortion provider must provide the results including whether or not there is a heartbeat. In addition, the presence or absence of a heartbeat must be included in their report to the state.

The law has been misreported by all sides of news media, but is landmark, constitutional legislation that is going to save lives and hopefully change hearts and minds towards the unborn. It also, unbeknownst to nearly everyone, contains former State Rep. Rick Womick’s everlasting contribution to the pro-life movement.

I know a lot of folks like political inside baseball. Below is some info on how the law got passed and what the law means:

Many folks are aware that back on 2015 Rick Womick had a controversial ultrasound bill. The original iteration had some issues, especially in relation to Amendment 1. However, in 2016, I worked with Rick to amend his bill in order to maximize unborn protections while, also, ensuring it wouldn’t negatively impact the laws surrounding Amendment 1.

Of course, the left and the media, who didn’t bother to understand the changes, were still in hysterics over his bill and several on the right still had concerns because they were not aware of the changes either. In the end, Rick stood in front of the committee. Spoke passionately about the unborn, and in a statesmanlike manner, took his bill off notice.

The amended version of Rick’s bill operated on these principles none of which can be refuted by Planned Parenthood nor pro-abortion activists or legislators.

Depending on gestation, an ultrasound is the standard of care prior to an abortion.
Providers should offer test results so patients can make an informed decision
Women(and all patients) deserve to know the results of their tests if they choose
Providers should document the test results and keep patients records(current law)
Women overwhelmingly will choose life if they know their ultrasound has a heartbeat.

To further explain these points, there are various types of abortion procedures depending on the age and size of the unborn. The state does NOT have to require an ultrasound prior to an abortion because it is already the standard of care. Depending on the perceived gestation of the unborn, the abortion clinic has to obtain an ultrasound or else they risk doing the wrong kind of abortion which is malpractice.

As an ultrasound is a medical procedure, the results should be offered to the patient. In all aspects of medicine, some patients don’t want or even care to understand the results of tests, but patients should make informed decisions on their health and in order to do that, they should be offered or given the results of their procedure. Not offering results or intentionally hiding results is unethical, and abortion providers don’t want to admit they are unethical.

By law, doctor’s offices and hospitals must keep patient records for a certain amount of time. Additionally, by law, abortion providers must submit information to the state surrounding the nature and number of abortions. This report is titled the Intrauterine Termination of Pregnancy Report(ITOP). The ITOP report, in addition to reporting the type of abortion, also, contained the gestational age of the unborn. What it did not contain was whether there was a confirmed heartbeat on the ultrasound. As the abortion clinics must keep records and have this information, this new law will require that heartbeat data be submitted, as well.

This past session, the opportunity arose to insert the principles from Womick’s bill into existing legislation. I called Rick and told him what we were going to do. I worked with the sponsor and we were able to pass the bill with overwhelming support and with Governor Haslam’s signature.

The law is a pro-woman, pro-patient, pro-life piece of legislation that is going to save unborn lives while changing minds as Tennesseans will now know the number of Tennessee heartbeats that the abortion industry takes. This couldn’t have occurred without the groundwork of Rick Womick.

And like Paul Harvey used to say, now you know the rest of the story.

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Rep. Bryan Terry: Updates on infant protection, opioid crisis, healthcare, education & infrastructure

May 8, 2017 By Admin

NASHVILLE, May 8, 2017– This is one of the last updates from Capitol Hill before Session ends for the year. Here are a few things of note that have happened lately.

BUDGET PASSES HOUSE AFTER DEBATE

After a day of often heated discussions, the House passed a 37 billion dollar balanced budget on May 5th. The budget will go to the Senate to adopt on May 8. Constitutionally, we are required to pass a balanced budget which the budget is. Tennessee is one of the best run states in the nation with the least debt per capita. When one looks across the United States and see other states with massive deficits, one can truly look at Tennessee’s surplus as proof of Tennessee being on solid footing. However, having a massive surplus doesn’t necessarily mean that we have to spend all of the surplus or start new spending programs.

With new fees and increased taxes associated with the gas tax proposal, as well as having a 2 billion dollar surplus, many Republicans, including myself, felt like the state had over-collected taxes on our citizens. Therefore, the right thing to do was to return some of the funds to the counties or at least not spend all the surplus revenue.

Aside from a huge spending increase, philosophically there were two issues I had with the budget. First, as I have previously stated, with a two billion dollar surplus, we shouldn’t increase taxes and start new programs. Secondly, the budget included taking 55 million from the General Fund to give to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) to jumpstart the IMPROVE Act/ gas tax hike.

Folks, all throughout the gas tax hike debate, proponents of raising the gas tax based their argument on gas and diesel tax being a user fee. They were adamant against using General Fund monies to support TDOT. With the monies previously raided from the transportation fund repaid in the budget, why then would one raid 55 million in non-user fee monies to give to TDOT?

A budget battle ensued, but in the end all sides agreed that the 55 million dollars should be returned to the counties and the county taxpayers. Ultimately, the money was returned for use on county roads with Rutherford County getting over 1 million returned to our county taxpayers. Everyone knew that we must have a balanced budget, and in negotiations, the question is always “What will get you to ‘Yes’ or ‘neutral’?” In principle, the Senate agreed, but they must now vote on the budget May 8th. Kudos to all for setting aside differences to come together for a solution.

EDUCATOR’S BILL OF RIGHTS, HEARING PROTECTION, AND SPORTS MEDICINE

On Monday May 1st, three bills that I co-sponsored passed on the House floor. First, was the Educator’s Bill of Rights(HB 174). One provision in the bill is that educators shall not be required to spend their own money to equip a classroom. Another provision is that educators have a right to defend themselves from violence. The bill passed unanimously.

The Hearing Protection Act, in simple terms, removes firearm suppressors from the list of banned weapons in Tennessee. From a Federal law standpoint, Tennesseans will still need to take the Federal steps necessary to obtain the suppressor. However, if and when Federal law on suppressors changes, Tennessee will be in a better position to support our 2nd Amendment rights.

Last, I sponsored the “Visiting Sports Team Act” which grants limited medical privileges to team doctors who are traveling with their sports team. The bill will allow team physicians who are traveling with a team that is part of a national organization like the NCAA or NFL to treat their players and coaches in a limited fashion without requiring a Tennessee license. If the player or coach required emergency or more extensive treatment, a Tennessee licensed physician with hospital privileges at a local hospital would then assume patient care.

INFANT PROTECTION, PHYSICIAN LICENSURE, AND 2nd AMENDMENT RIGHTS

On Wednesday, the House passed several bills that I co-sponsored including the Tennessee Infants Protection Act(HB 1189). The bill defined unborn infant viability at 24 weeks gestation and banned abortion after that point with some exceptions. In addition, it requires proof of non-viability prior to an abortion after 20 weeks gestation. Almost all abortions in Tennessee occur prior to 20 weeks and the bill mirrors an Ohio law that has never been challenged as being unconstitutional.

All rational Tennesseans agree that at some point during pregnancy, there is life. Even the courts have ruled that an event that results in the death of a woman and her unborn will be viewed as two deaths. For some, the point of life is at conception. While for others, it is later on in pregnancy. With current technology, the Tennessee Infant Protection Act is basically saying that Tennessee is going to protect the unborn at the point of viability. While many agree that infants should be protected at other points in pregnancy, constitutionally, this bill is a sound and positive step to saving the unborn.

I, also, co-sponsored the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (HB 664) which passed unanimously on Wednesday. As of right now, many states allow reciprocity for medical license requirements. For example, I have a Tennessee medical license, and Georgia may accept our requirements. However, I would still have to go through the paperwork and fees associated with a Georgia license. In a compact, my active Tennessee license would now be active in other states in the compact. Where this helps Tennessee is that, due to physician shortages, we can utilize physicians who live in surround states who would like to work extra and decrease the wait times for Tennesseans.

HB 508 which helped protect our 2nd Amendment rights, also passed on Wednesday. Cities were abusing our 2nd Amendment rights and placing citizens at risk via a perceived loophole in the Guns in Parks law. The bill placed certain conditions and restrictions on municipalities if they did not allow firearms into certain locations and venues. In addition, it placed penalties on those municipalities if they did not protect citizens and damages occurred. While not a perfect bill, it was most definitely a step in the right direction for our 2nd Amendment rights.

EDUCATOR PROTECTION, OPIOID CRISIS, AND MEDICATION THERAPY MANAGEMENT

On Thursday, before the budget battle, three bills that I co-sponsored passed the House. HB 1186, the Tennessee Educator Protection Act, provides protection against meritless lawsuits during the course of their duties educating our students. It, also, ensures that educators can file civil charges against those who bring false accusations against educators or other causes with intent to harm.

With our opioid crisis, HB 1207 will grant the Health department the authority to identify high risk opioid prescribers who will then be required to comply with certain educational training standards, as well as provide information to their patients on the risks of opioid addiction. In addition, the managed care organizations in TennCare will be required to provide information on neonatal abstinence syndrome(NAS) which is caused by opioid addiction during pregnancy. The goal is to identify, treat, and help prevent opioid addiction and NAS in Tennessee.

HB 628 sets up a TennCare pilot program for Medication Therapy Management(MTM). MTM has been found useful as a cost saving measure in other states. MTM incorporates pharmacists in the medication management which should help optimize outcomes for patients; thus, leading to cost savings in the TennCare program.

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As always, I’m honored and humbled to be the state representative for District 48.

With Liberty,

Rep. Bryan Terry, MD

Rep. Bryan Terry Endorsed By Pro-Life Group

July 6, 2016 By Admin

MURFREESBORO, Tenn., –Last week, Rep. Bryan Terry, MD was officially endorsed by Tennessee Right to Life (TNRTL) for the 2016 State Representative race for District 48 which is the eastern half of Rutherford County. Brian Harris, President of TN Right to Life, stated that Rep. Terry and the other statewide endorsed candidates “have demonstrated a determined and consistent commitment to restoring protection for life by their 100% voting records and leadership. They are worthy of the Right to Life endorsement and they are worthy of your vote.”

TNRTL presented their endorsement on the heels of the controversial Supreme Court(SCOTUS) decision against two Texas laws concerning abortion. Harris, in a response to the SCOTUS decision stated, “Not only did five judges strike down common-sense provisions passed by the Texas Legislature to protect the health and safety of women and girls considering abortion, the Court also toughened the standard by which future pro-life statutes will be judged by courts across the nation.”

Harris further stated, “That’s why it’s all the more critical that pro-life voters send a clear message back to the Courts by electing the absolute strongest pro-life legislators and representatives possible!” Rep. Terry, by receiving the endorsement, is considered one of those legislators.

“It’s a blessing to be able to be an advocate for the unborn while protecting the safety of women. I look at the issue as trying to protect two lives, and I am honored to have received the endorsement,” declared Rep. Terry. “We take care of women at the hospital and surgery center who have procedures for miscarriages that are similar to what women have when they have an abortion. It boggles the mind that the Supreme Court doesn’t believe that women having an abortion should have the same safe standard of care,” explained Rep. Terry about the SCOTUS decision against Texas.

Rep. Terry stated that he actually may have set a precedent this year when he passed HB 1654 ironically with the aid of Planned Parenthood. Though staunchly pro life, Dr. Terry said that he reached out to TNRTL, the Governor’s administration, and Planned Parenthood for his bill. In the end, all supported his bill and, as such, HB 1654 may be the only bill surrounding the abortion issue that passed both the House and Senate without a no vote.

The bill was inspired by the 2015 summer events surrounding the selling of fetal parts. The bill amended the Tennessee code to require a written paper trail via consent of the woman if research or experiments are done on fetal tissue. And secondly, the bill conferred whistleblower immunity in the event that pictures were taken of the fetal tissue if the photographer had reason to believe a state or federal law was being violated.

“I was very proud of that bill for a few reasons. First, these were reasonable measures to ensure that illegal activity surrounding fetal tissue didn’t occur in Tennessee. But aside from the abortion issue, I think it is important for people to know that there are legislators willing to talk to all parties of an issue, no matter how controversial, and find a path forward,” explained Terry.

Rep. Bryan Terry, MD served as the Republican Chairman of the Bipartisan Freshman Caucus, and received a 100% conservative rating from the American Conservative Union. He is running unopposed in the Republican primary for District 48.

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Rep. Terry: Planned Parenthood Update For Tennessee

November 20, 2015 By Admin

MURFREESBORO, Tenn., November 20, 2015– This week, Governor Haslam informed the General Assembly of the results of his administration’s research into Planned Parenthood (PP) and plans for legislation for the upcoming session. PP continues to be an issue placed among the forefront of concerns for our community since videos surfaced showing Planned Parenthood’s profiteering of aborted baby parts. Since the PP controversy, I have been in contact with other legislators and the Governor’s office on this matter on a frequent basis. I’d like to provide a brief update on what has occurred over the Summer and so far this Fall.

Over this last legislative Session, I inquired about the public funding for PP while their representatives provided testimony . At the time, PP stated that they didn’t receive public funding. During the discovery of national PP centers selling unborn baby parts, the public funding issue was revisited. As it turns out, while corroborating with Rep. Andy Holt and his staff over the summer, we were able to uncover state taxpayer dollars going to PP through TennCare, though apparently not technically for abortions. During their testimony, PP did admit to receiving federal taxpayer dollars during the committee hearing, but they were unable to confirm the amount.

Through corroboration with House Health Committee Chairman Rep. Cameron Sexton, we sent a formal letter of inquiry to PP. They did confirm that they received taxpayer dollars through TennCare, but denied the selling of any aborted tissue. Through Title 19, the Medicaid program, TennCare receives federal funding. Tennessee provides matching funds for TennCare at a ratio of one state dollar for every nine federal dollars. TennCare recipients can receive care from any provider that accepts TennCare. Because PP accepts TennCare, when Tennesseans on TennCare choose PP for services other than for abortion, Planned Parenthood receives payment from TennCare with a mixture of state and federal dollars.

It is my understanding that the state looked in to halting any TennCare dollars going to PP in the past, but were unable to do so without risking the loss of federal matching dollars for TennCare. Please note, it is, also, my understanding that TennCare dollars do not go to Planned Parenthood directly for abortion. That being said, any TennCare payments sent to PP still impacts their bottom line. Although, technically, PP receives Tennessee taxpayer dollars for services other than abortions, due to budgetary cost-shifting, any profit from TennCare payments could be construed as supporting abortion.

Over the Summer, the Government Operations Committee conducted a hearing to garner information from the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) about the regulatory environment surrounding abortions and how it relates to fetal tissue. I had been in contact with leadership and other legislators prior to the hearing. Following the hearing, I met with a representative from the Governor’s staff to discuss my concerns, the concerns of many in the district, as well as, options that we may consider. The meeting went well, and I have been in frequent contact with the Governor’s staff as he and his staff continue to look for solutions.

In addition to this meeting, I met with legal services to discuss some of my concerns surrounding the potential for selling aborted baby parts. Again, the Planned Parenthood facilities in Tennessee have denied doing this practice; however, I did discover an opportunity to improve upon accountability for patient care. I had a bill drafted and have been patiently waiting for Governor Haslam’s report. I am yet to present my bill to other legislators, but believe it may be a companion piece of legislation for Governor Haslam’s proposal.

In another instance, I worked with the Governor’s staff on addressing an issue with the Department of Health’s website as it relates to PP. Concerns arose from some constituents in that it was their belief that the website could be seen as Tennessee advertising for PP’s services. While county health care services are available online, I have worked to have the health care services presented in a neutral fashion. It should be noted that the TDH and the Governor’s staff responded to my request within a few hours.

On Wednesday, Governor Haslam released his report to the General Assembly. In it, the TDH has made filing a complaint against an abortion surgery center more accessible and transparent. The TDH has strengthened the record keeping requirements as it relates to the disposition of aborted remains. The requirement will provide a tracking mechanism to help ensure a proper and appropriate manner of disposition occurs.

Additionally, the TDH conducted unannounced inspections of four clinics. The report did not specify any specific violations nor issues with any compliance. I have asked for the results of the inspections. As of this moment, I have not had the opportunity to review the report.

Finally, Governor Haslam plans to propose legislation to improve the accountability and transparency for surgery centers performing abortions. Some measures include enhanced inspections, improved record keeping requirements, and prohibition of reimbursement of any costs associated with any transportation of aborted fetuses. As earlier stated, I have a bill that improves accountability for patient care. I will be working with our health committee and the Governor’s office on the legislation.

While finding solutions and addressing the issues presented by PP has provided various challenges, constituents should know that I will continue to work for the unborn in various ways, and that the Governor and his staff know where I stand on the issue.

In Rutherford County there is an organization in our community called Portico. Portico was formerly known as the “crisis pregnancy center”. You can read more about them HERE. Portico just received a mobile ultrasound unit in October to provide free ultrasounds for women in need. On October 6, I invited Governor Haslam and his staff to visit Murfreesboro in order to tour Portico’s facilities and see the new mobile ultrasound unit. During the luncheon, I reiterated that the many on the left often put forth the false narrative that there isn’t an alternative to abortion or PP. We have a facility in our own community that promotes women’s health, as well as, provides an alternative to abortion. If you are pro-life, please, check out Portico and help them out. Their mobile ultrasound will provide an invaluable service to women and the unborn, but since their services are free of charge, they need your financial help.

I believe I openness and transparency, and it is my hope that my updates help provide that service to District 48. As always, I am humbled an honored to be your state representative.

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Rep. Terry: Abortion, Second Amendment, Obamacare, Common Core, Economy

April 24, 2015 By Admin

MURFREESBORO, Tenn., April 24, 2015– The 2015 legislative session has concluded. As a freshman legislator, it has been an educational and very successful session for District 48. From an educational standpoint, understanding the process while navigating the politics of 132 members of the General Assembly, the Executive Branch, and most importantly constituents has been an invaluable learning experience.

My constituents should know that I navigated those waters to the best of my abilities and I shared in many of their frustrations and disappointments with some of the legislation and politics that took place.

With that being said, I believe the 2015 legislative session was an overall success for District 48 and Tennessee. On the campaign trail, I promoted my agenda of CODE BLUE 2. Without a doubt, I was able to uphold the tenets of my agenda. Below are but some of the highlights of my fight to uphold CODE BLUE 2.

CITIZEN EMPOWERMENT: I introduced a bill and worked successfully with a constituent to have the Tennessee Department of Education and the Textbook Commission adopt citizen friendly changes to their rules. I worked with high school and MTSU students to sponsor and pass two bills. Also, I worked with citizens to pass several House Joint Resolutions. I also started SHARE Rutherford to highlight citizens that bring Safety, Health, Affordability, Recreation, and Education to Rutherford County.

OBAMACARE: I opposed Insure Tennessee, as it fast tracked Obamacare, risked our current TennCare patients and system, and violated the Oath of Office.

SUPPORTING HEALTHCARE: I supported positive health care changes for patients including being the lead sponsor for “Mission Tennessee for Veterans Program” and a healthcare provider credentialing bill to improve patient access while decreasing costs. I co-sponsored and supported the “Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act”, the “Right to Try Act”, and the “Ensuring Patient Access to Pharmacy Drug Disposal Programs Act of 2015” among other pro-patient legislation.

DEBT: I voted for a balanced budget, while fighting to decrease wasteful spending, cut taxes, and improve transparency. I also fought against the unnecessary spending of 120 Million in the budget and instead applying the funds towards TDOT and the underfunded “Rainy Day Fund”. I was one of only two House members to sponsor HB418 to increase transparency in Tennessee tax collections which has been signed into law.

ECONOMY: I co-sponsored HB76 for economic and community development. I advocated for HB813 which would phase out the Hall Income Tax and bring back over 3.5 Million dollars a year to Rutherford County and Murfreesboro. I also co-sponsored HB467 which would bring airplane maintenance jobs to Tennessee by removing barriers and creating job incentives for the airline industry. I also co-sponsored legislation to enact a sponsorship program to raise money for highways while promoting tourism.

BACKGROUND: I have a diverse background much like District 48. As such, I supported and voted for a variety of bills that reflected and promoted District 48 including HB716 and HB718 which support our farming, HB757 which supports local small businesses, HB70 which protects workers, and HB20 which added protections for our firemen and first responders.

LIBERTY AND VALUES: I co-sponsored the Racial Profiling Prevention Act, the Tennessee Animal Abuser Registration Act and the Criminal Justice Veterans Compensation Act. I advocated for liberty by co-sponsoring bills that put restrictions on drones, unconstitutional unmanned traffic cameras, and illegal civil forfeiture. I also co-sponsored anti-terrorism and anti-sex trafficking legislation, as well.

STANDING FOR THE UNBORN: I was a sponsor on HB948 and HB977 which restored protections to women and the unborn after Amendment 1 passed last November. I was also the leading medical voice for women and the unborn at the Capitol and spoke on behalf of both on the House floor during the debate. I sponsored HR 57 to recognize the Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, as well as, the various departments for their service to the unborn for intrauterine surgery for Spina Bifida.

EDUCATION: I successfully fought to repeal Common Core by adding amendments to HB1035 and voted to replace Common Core with Tennessee specific standards. I also supported pay raises for teachers and advocated for our teachers’ point of view. I also supported HB429, HB670, and HB1089 which protects teachers, parents and most importantly students.

SECOND AMENDMENT: I sponsored and voted for a multitude of pro-2nd Amendment legislation including HB682, HB683, HB684, HB1255, and HB1341.

As always, I am humbled and honored to be your state representative.

With Liberty,

Dr. Bryan Terry

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