Tennessee Abortion Ban Lawsuit Stalled by Last-Minute Appeal

In April 2026 a federal trial challenging Tennessee’s abortion ban was scheduled, but the state’s appeal halted it indefinitely. The lawsuit, filed in 2023 by six women—including Rachel Fulton—alleges a constitutional right-to-life violation. The American Medical Association and two physicians are co-plaintiffs.

The Guardian

Tennessee law bans most abortions, permitting them only when a pregnant person’s life is in immediate danger. The statute lacks a clear pathway for fetal anomalies that endanger maternal health, such as mirror-syndrome. Critics say the narrow exception prevents physicians from providing standard care in life-threatening pregnancies.

The Guardian

Plaintiffs include Rachel Fulton and five other patients with lethal fetal diagnoses. Center for Reproductive Rights, led by attorney Linda Goldstein, heads the case. The American Medical Association and two obstetric physicians co-plaintiff, arguing the ban blocks necessary care. Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti represents the state.

The Guardian

Four plaintiffs had lethal fetal anomalies that also threatened their health; two developed serious infections after care was denied. Fulton’s fetus showed cystic hygroma, endangering the baby’s survival and exposing her to mirror syndrome, a potentially fatal complication.

The Guardian

Linda Goldstein of the Center for Reproductive Rights said the plaintiffs suffered injury from denied care and that the state aims to hide the ban’s shortcomings. Attorney General Skrmetti said the appeal is routine, the courts can resolve the issues without a trial, and the state is ready to proceed.

The Guardian

Plaintiffs say the ban forces out-of-state travel, unfamiliar doctors, and severe health risks. Goldstein argues the state portrays the law as effective while women face infections and sepsis. Fulton called the situation a callous disregard for her life, noting the absence of a “least-bad” medical option.

The Guardian

The state says the appeal is routine and courts can resolve the case without a trial; plaintiffs argue the delay is a tactic to silence their stories. No independent data on how many Tennessee women have been denied medically necessary abortions appear in the sources.

The Guardian

• “Nothing prepares you to hear that the baby that you want is incompatible with life,” Fulton said. “And not only that he’s incompatible with life, but that he is putting my life at risk. There’s nothing in the world that can prepare you for that, even if you know it might be coming.” — Rachel Fulton, patient

The Guardian

• “It made a terrible situation so much worse,” — Rachel Fulton, patient

The Guardian

• “Some people that are making some decisions just didn’t care whether I lived or died in this situation.” — Rachel Fulton, patient

The Guardian

• “ The patient plaintiffs “were all injured by being denied medical care”, Goldstein said.” — Linda Goldstein, lead attorney, Center for Reproductive Rights

The Guardian