'If you’re pregnant you shouldn’t travel here': Tennessee's Planned Parenthood issues severe warning

Planned Parenthood officials in Tennessee issued a severe warning for pregnant people not to travel to the state.

The warning came one year after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down federal abortion rights. Tennessee passed a near-total abortion ban, with scant exceptions for ectopic and molar pregnancies. An abortion can also be performed to save the mother's life in some cases.

Ashley Coffield, CEO of Planned Parenthood of Tennessee and Northern Mississippi, told the Tennessee Lookout that Tennessee is now 'more dangerous and more deadly' for pregnant people.

"One year ago, Tennessee faced an instant health emergency for pregnant people when we became a forced birth state," Coffield said. "It is more dangerous and more deadly to be pregnant in Tennessee... If you're pregnant, you shouldn't travel here. If you live here, you might have to travel out of state for life-saving care."

She predicted a battle for other rights in Tennessee.

"The government seizure of bodily autonomy is bigger than abortion," she said, pointing out that state lawmakers are already discussing limits to contraceptive access and other reproductive care.

Coffield said Planned Parenthood expected to provide logistical help to between 2,000 and 3,000 pregnant people seeking abortion after Roe v. Wade was overturned. But the group has served only 500 people.

"We have been shocked at how low the numbers are," Coffield explained. "The reality of abortion bans is far more devastating and inhumane than many people really understood a year ago."