Yahoo Finance Tennessee Woman Who Was Denied an Abortion Runs for State Office to Change 'Barbaric' Law
Before declaring her candidacy for the Tennessee state House, 28-year-old Allie Phillips joined a lawsuit that challenged conservative states' sweeping abortion bans
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Allie Phillips, candidate for Tennessee state HouseA Tennessee woman is aiming to change her state's politics from within after being denied an abortion under Tennessee law.
Allie Phillips joined a lawsuit to challenge sweeping abortion bans after she was forced to travel out of state for an emergency procedure in March. Now, the Democrat is taking her reproductive rights activism to a new level, declaring her candidacy for Tennessee House District 75 — a seat currently held by freshman Republican state Rep. Jeff Burkhart.
"I'm not a polished politician or a millionaire," Phillips, 28, wrote on her Instagram. "I'm a mom, a sister, a daughter, a wife and a friend — and I believe that Tennessee can change for the better."
Related: Louisiana Mom Says She Was Denied an Abortion Even Though Baby Has Terminal Condition
In late 2022, Phillips and her husband, Bryan, faced a heart-wrenching situation when their expected child, Miley Rose, was diagnosed with a fatal condition at 19 weeks.
Upon receiving the news, Phillips and her husband felt that termination was their best option. However, with Tennessee's stringent abortion ban that came into effect in August 2022, Phillips was forced to travel to New York alone to receive the procedure.
Related: Tenn. Doctor Details Patient's Experience Being Unable to Get Pills to Complete Her Miscarriage
“My doctor informed me that if I chose to stay pregnant, I would be putting my own life at risk,” Phillips stated in her campaign video. “I had to make the hard decision to terminate my pregnancy — and Tennessee law made it impossible to get it here.”
It wasn’t until Phillips arrived at the clinic in New York when she learned that her daughter's heart had already stopped beating. To avoid serious health complications like sepsis and blood clots, an emergency abortion was performed.
“I was in a city I’ve never been in, far away from my family, friends, doctors, caregivers,” Phillips shared in a TikTok video that has since gone viral. “I was in that clinic alone. I was told my daughter’s heart had stopped alone. I went into surgery and came out alone. Nobody, nobody should have to go through something like that alone.”
Related: Celebrities Who Have Shared Their Abortion Stories to Help Women Feel Less Alone
I’m honored and excited to announce my candidacy for TN House of Representatives District 75! pic.twitter.com/qRgBslDlVT
— Allie Phillips (@allie4tn) October 2, 2023
Since sharing her story, Phillips has amassed a substantial following, with many resonating deeply with her experience. By September 2023, Phillips was among 12 plaintiffs challenging the abortion bans of Idaho, Tennessee, and Oklahoma, represented by the Center for Reproductive Rights.
Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE, Phillips said, "I was personally victimized by my own government. I’m tired of watching politicians make laws on topics they know nothing about. I wouldn’t be doing my deceased daughter any justice if I didn’t fight back."
The lawsuit aims to refine the "medical emergency" provisions within abortion bans, ensuring patients can access abortions during critical health crises and allowing doctors to provide care without the threat of legal repercussions.
"Pregnant people in Tennessee have suffered needless physical and emotional pain and harm, including loss of their fertility," the lawsuit states. "These pregnant people are not imagined. They are not ideological talking points. They are real people, many with children who depend upon them. Three of them are Plaintiffs in this action."
In April, Tennessee amended its abortion law, permitting doctors to perform abortions based on their "reasonable medical judgement" to prevent death or significant, irreversible harm to a major bodily function. However, Linda Goldstein, senior counsel at the Center for Reproductive Rights and lead attorney for the Tennessee case, contends that the current phrasing of the law doesn't provide a genuine exception.
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While Phillips’ primary focus will center on reproductive health care, her campaign will also champion public education funding, preventing guns in schools, LGBTQ+ rights (encompassing gender-affirming care), broader health care access, and infrastructure enhancements to aid Clarksville-Nashville commuters.
"Now is the time. If the thought has crossed your mind to run or to make change, do it," Phillips told PEOPLE. "Even if everyone else is doubting you, show them what a good fight looks like. Build relationships with the ones that support you and never lose focus of the goal."
Formed in 2022 via redistricting, District 75 encompasses the western portion of Montgomery County and Clarksville's west side. The primary is set for Aug. 1, 2024, with the general election on Nov. 5, 2024.
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