Action came quickly last week in the aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade and returning the question of abortion rights to the states.

First, the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated a lower court injunction that had blocked Tennessee’s “fetal heartbeat” bill. The court’s action means that the state can immediately enact the law that bans abortion procedures as early as six weeks after the mother’s last menstrual period or when a fetal heartbeat can be detected. The law will be in effect until an even stricter “trigger law” signed by Gov. Bill Lee in 2019 takes effect, probably in August.

Following on the heels of the “fetal heartbeat” ban being lifted, Planned Parenthood of Tennessee and North Mississippi announced June 28 it was suspending providing abortion services in Tennessee.

Also last week, a Shelby County judge determined that the efforts of Pamela Moses to restore her voting rights would need to be heard by a three-judge court. Moses liked the idea, saying she thinks the likelihood of an appeal to the state Supreme Court is less if three judges make the decision. — Ron Maxey, metro editor

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'Fetal heartbeat' law can go into effect immediately By Ian Round

Special judicial panel to hear Pamela Moses' petition to vote again By Julia Baker

DA dismisses voting case against Pamela Moses By Julia Baker

Near-total abortion ban takes effect in 30 days, but a 'heartbeat bill' could come sooner By Ian Round

Abortion law changes leave air of uncertainty for many By Julia Baker

The closest state to Memphis with abortion access? Illinois. By Ian Round

Hagerty doubles down on abortion ruling, calls insurrection hearings 'show trial' By Bill Dries

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