Tennessee prenatal care denial is making national news after a 35-year-old woman was refused a prenatal visit simply because she wasn’t married. Her OB-GYN turned her away under the Medical Ethics Defense Act (MEDA), effective April 2025—without offering a referral. In a state with the highest maternal mortality rate in the nation, this is more than just one woman’s experience—it’s a wake-up call.

Imagine walking into your first prenatal appointment—heart racing, hands on your growing belly—only to be told, “We won’t treat you because you’re not married.”

In a state already struggling with the highest maternal mortality rate in the nation, this isn’t just one woman’s story—it’s a warning for every expectant mother, no matter where you live. Advocates say this Tennessee prenatal care denial new law could open the door for more refusals, impacting not only prenatal visits but also other essential women’s health services.

@therecount
At a recent town hall in Jonesborough, Tennessee, a 35‑year‑old woman said her OB-GYN refused to provide prenatal care — not because of any medical concern, but because she isn’t married and that “goes against their Christian values.” Under Tennessee’s 2025 Medical Ethics Defense Act, which took effect April 24, providers — including doctors, hospitals, and insurers — can legally refuse care based on religious or moral beliefs. The law imposes no penalties on providers that deny care, doesn’t require them to refer patients elsewhere, and includes no exception for patients in rural areas who may have no alternative care options. The woman, who has been with her partner for 15 years and also has a 13‑year‑old daughter, plans to travel to Virginia for prenatal appointments. She’s filed formal complaints with both the Department of Commerce and Insurance and the American Medical Association, per the Nashville Banner. This is the first documented case in the state of someone seeking prenatal care being turned away for being unmarried. #tennessee #pregnant #obgyn #news #politics
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Why Was Prenatal Care Denied in Tennessee?

According to reporting from Time and the Nashville Banner, the woman had been in a committed relationship with her partner for 15 years. Yet when she arrived at her OB-GYN, she was refused prenatal care solely because she was unmarried. The provider pointed to the Medical Ethics Defense Act (MEDA), which allows healthcare professionals to deny care that conflicts with their religious or moral beliefs without requiring them to offer referrals.

The patient was left with no choice but to travel to another state for care, something many pregnant people simply cannot afford to do.

Why Prenatal Care Isn’t Optional

Prenatal visits are a lifeline for both mother and baby. They allow early detection of complications such as ectopic pregnancy, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes early. They also offer personalized guidance on nutrition, physical activity, and delivery planning. All of these giving both mother and baby the best chance at a healthy outcome

The stakes in Tennessee are especially high:

41.1 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births between 2018 and 2022—the highest rate in the U.S.
81 deaths per 100,000 among TennCare (Medicaid) recipients—nearly triple the rate of those with private insurance

These aren’t just statistics—they represent lives lost, families devastated, and preventable tragedies.

Is the Law Pro-Choice… or Pro-Bias?

Without a referral requirement, patients can be left scrambling for care, delaying vital health interventions. Under MEDA, providers can refuse care based on moral or religious beliefs without ensuring patients are connected to another provider. MEDA’s protections for “conscience-based” care refusals raise serious concerns. Unlike federal EMTALA rules, which require emergency treatment for active labor or life-threatening conditions, MEDA leaves non-emergency care like routine prenatal visits making it open to refusal without a safety net for patients.

The Broader Health Picture

Maternal health outcomes are already deeply inequitable across the U.S., with southern states facing the highest risks. Prenatal care isn’t just about pregnancy—it’s often when other important women’s health concerns are detected, such as high blood pressure, undiagnosed diabetes, thyroid issues, or even certain cancers. Early detection during these visits can lead to timely interventions that save lives.

Programs like Nashville’s Strong Babies, which provides doulas, nutrition counseling, and home visits, have shown that inclusive, proactive care makes a difference reporting zero maternal or infant deaths among 516 participants since 2024

What You Can Do

If you’re pregnant or planning to be, this story may feel unsettling. Here’s how to protect your access to care:

Know your rights. Federal protections like Title IX prohibit sex-based discrimination in healthcare programs receiving federal funding. If denied care, request the reason in writing and report it to your state’s Department of Health or the HHS Office for Civil Rights.
Seek inclusive providers. Women’s health clinics, midwifery practices, and community health centers often welcome patients from all backgrounds.
Plan for access. If you live in a state with laws like MEDA, research and identify inclusive providers—even if they’re across state lines—before you need them.
Speak up. Share your experience with advocacy groups like Planned Parenthood or local women’s health organizations to help push for reform.
Act early. Schedule your first prenatal visit by 8–10 weeks of pregnancy to ensure early risk detection and support.

The Bigger Picture

This case of Tennessee prenatal care denial under the new law isn’t just one woman’s fight—it’s a glimpse into how personal beliefs could shape, and limit, access to care across the country. It’s about the precedent it sets. If care can be denied based on marital status, what’s next? Denials for contraception? Fertility treatments? Sexual orientation?

Healthcare should be grounded in medical science and compassion—not personal judgment. By staying informed, planning ahead, and advocating for inclusive care, we can protect not only our own health but also the rights and dignity of every patient.