Shelby County politicians are playing politics with people's health by threatening to end a successful HIV prevention program in Memphis just because Planned Parenthood runs the program. Sign this petition to show your opposition to putting politics before people's health. 

Tennessee officials have again demonstrated their commitment to punishing pregnant people for their pregnancies and outcomes. After claims that Murfreesboro resident Anna Yocca attempted to give herself an abortion in her home, Rutherford County Prosecutors aimed first to convict Ms. Yocca with attempted murder and then with fetal assault (yes, the same fetal assault law that sunset in July 2016). Failing to gain legal ground on either charge, prosecutors dug up two ancient pre Roe v Wade laws that criminalize abortion and carry felony penalties. After being incarcerated for over a year while awaiting trial, on January 9th 2017 Anna Yocca pleaded guilty to "attempted procurement of a miscarriage" in exchange for immediate release from jail. Read a joint press statement below from National Advocates for Pregnant Women and Healthy and Free TN for more context and implications. 

January 10th marks the first day of Tennessee’s 2017 legislative session and the 110th General Assembly.

As advocates, we bear the continued responsibility to envision and fight for reproductive and sexual health care access, sex education, and economic and judicial policies that support the whole health and wellbeing of all Tennesseans and our communities. Over the past four years, Healthy and Free Tennessee partners and supporters have fought against a rapidly rising tide of discriminatory and anti-health laws written and approved by our state legislature.

In spite of these laws--laws meant surely to divide, silence, devastate and starve the majority of Tennesseans--HFTN partners and supporters have grown stronger, more coordinated and resolved to nurture a sustained statewide and unapologetic movement for reproductive freedom.

Now more than ever we commit to a present and future where we all have access to the resources we need to make informed choices about our health without stigma, shame or discrimination. We vision, fight, and build best when our movements are cross-issue, diverse, safe for the most vulnerable and directly impacted, and willing to confront hard truths not solely about our opposition but also about our own tendencies and struggles. This year, Healthy and Free TN recommits to showing up, supporting, and sustaining opportunities for all Tennesseans and our local and statewide movements for freedom and justice to grow in collective strength, power, and health. 

Here are 6 ways to kickoff 2017 and the

legislative session 

Applications received before December 23rd receive top priority but applications will be accepted until position is filled. 

Alongside the current HFTN State Director, the Co-State Director will collaboratively lead and support Healthy and Free Tennessee, a statewide coalition working to promote sexual health and reproductive freedom in Tennessee. This co-leadership position will build the base of activists willing to take action on coalition issues, develop community leadership, build relationships with key local, state and national stakeholders, partners, and elected officials, advance engagement strategies, and assist in campaign development and implementation. Both Co-State Directors will report to the Chairperson of the HFTN Steering Committee.