Memorial for unborn children at Tennessee Capitol ignites conversation

Controversial Monument for Unborn Children Set to Unveil in Tennessee

A new monument commemorating unborn children is set to be unveiled on June 24, coinciding with the anniversary marking the end of Roe v. Wade, and it’s creating quite a stir among residents in Tennessee.

This granite monument, which received approval from the state legislature over seven years ago, is currently in its initial phase of installation at the Tennessee State Capitol grounds. It aims to honor unborn children and is being spearheaded by Republican state Senator Janice Bowling, who expressed the sentiment that these lives should be respected as they are created in the image of God.

Constructed using private funding, the monument will resemble traditional cemetery markers and include wording that conveys a sense of grief and sadness.

Opposition and Support

According to Bowling, this structure will be more prominent than a standard cemetery marker. She emphasized that it would serve as a place for “reminiscence, remembrance, and closure” for some individuals.

Despite the intentions behind the monument, resistance has emerged, particularly from the Democratic side. U.S. Representative John Ray Clemons from Nashville has voiced concerns that the monument may “stigmatize” women who face the heart-wrenching decision of abortion. Critics argue that placing such a monument on state grounds could be viewed as endorsing a specific viewpoint on abortion, potentially exacerbating the heated debate surrounding reproductive rights.

Rep. Heidi Campbell, also a Democrat from Nashville, remarked that while the goal may be to show compassion, it effectively reflects control by undermining women’s agency and reducing intricate medical circumstances to mere political symbols.

In defense of the project, Bowling highlighted the backing it has garnered from both sides of Congress, countering the claims of her opponents.

The monument’s journey hasn’t been straightforward—years were lost due to state regulations mandating private funding. The project only gained renewed momentum after receiving a $4,000 donation, which ultimately led to its approval by the state Building Commission last August. Now, Bowling is actively fundraising, with plans to allocate some funds for flowers to adorn the marker.