Knoxville Welcomes Gloria Johnson: A Conversation on Reproductive Rights
Knoxville was buzzing with excitement recently as Tennessee Representative Gloria Johnson met with law students at the University of Tennessee to talk about something incredibly important: reproductive accessibility. With her experience in the state legislature and her current campaign for the U.S. Senate, Johnson aimed to shed light on what she has been doing—and what she hopes to achieve for women across Tennessee and beyond.
A Passion for Reproductive Justice
On October 23, Johnson sat down with students, thanks to a collaboration with If/When/How, a national reproductive justice organization comprised of lawyers, law students, and healthcare workers. This organization is dedicated to empowering individuals to choose how they build their families. The local chapter at UT Law School has been working hard since its establishment in 2022 to raise awareness about reproductive rights, making Gloria Johnson’s visit especially relevant.
Shayla Stewart, a second-year law student involved with If/When/How, expressed just how much Johnson’s perspectives align with the group’s mission. “(Gloria Johnson) stands for a lot of topics that are important to our organization,” she shared. Stewart highlighted that Johnson not only represents local issues but also embodies values crucial to their national movement.
Challenges in Reproductive Healthcare
Johnson has been advocating for women’s healthcare since her election in 2012 and focused on various policies aimed at expanding reproductive healthcare access. During the session, she pointed out staggering statistics: nearly half of Tennessee’s counties—43 to be exact—don’t have an OBGYN. That’s roughly 46% of the state! In addition, more than a third of the state has no delivery rooms available. Without Medicaid expansion, many hospitals are at risk, which could lead to even fewer options for expectant mothers.
It gets even more concerning: about 31% of Tennessee lacks access to reproductive care. According to Johnson, there are 34 counties that are maternity care deserts, without any OBGYNs, birthing centers, or certified midwifery services. “We just don’t have the resources to meet the demand,” Johnson explained.
Impact of Legislation
During the conversation, Johnson wasn’t shy about discussing the strict abortion laws that have been passed in Tennessee, such as the Heartbeat Bill and the Trigger Ban, which severely limit abortion access with very few exceptions. Presently, only cases involving ectopic or molar pregnancies and situations with a deceased fetus are permitted under Tennessee law. What’s more, doctors face criminal charges if they make decisions about late-term abortions.
“Imagine being a doctor with 15 years in prison looming over your head,” she stated, highlighting the dire implications these laws have on both healthcare providers and patients. It’s not hard to see how these restrictions can create a culture of fear around making medical decisions.
The Political Climate
Johnson did not shy away from criticizing the influence of lobbying groups like Right to Life on the legislative process. She pointed out that although many Republican constituents in Tennessee support more flexible reproductive rights, legislators often prioritize their ratings with these organizations over the needs of their voters. “They are going against their own constituents,” she remarked, emphasizing dissonance in the political landscape.
Hope for the Future
As she campaigns for the U.S. Senate, Johnson expressed hope for expanding reproductive rights on a federal level. This could mean advocating for better access to abortion across state lines, easing the burdens on doctors, and generally improving the landscape of reproductive healthcare.
Looking Ahead
With Johnson’s wealth of knowledge and dedicated passion for these causes, the law students—and indeed, everyone watching—are reminded that reproductive rights are very much at the forefront of current political discussions. For many, her efforts symbolize a beacon of change and a promise for a future where everyone can access the healthcare they need. As she rallies for support, it’s clear that Johnson is committed to bringing awareness and change to reproductive accessibility not only in Tennessee but across the nation.
As Johnson continues her journey into the political arena, lives across Tennessee hang in the balance, and her voice may just be the one that helps bring about the change so many are hoping for.
