MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Taylor Cagnacci relocated from California to Tennessee, eager to embrace a new chapter in a state known for its affordable living and scenic landscapes.
However, she finds herself frustrated with Tennessee’s inadequate social services, which leave her and many other mothers struggling in the wake of strict abortion restrictions that allow limited exceptions.
“I was going to have my child no matter what, but for other women, that’s kind of a difficult situation,” expressed Cagnacci, a 29-year-old mother in Kingsport who relies on Medicaid and a federally funded nutrition program. “You have to have your child. But where’s the assistance afterward?”
Recent research and analysis indicate that Tennessee has a fragile safety net for mothers and young children. The number of women who have given birth without access to abortion remains unclear. However, it is evident that from the onset of pregnancy, women in Tennessee encounter more hurdles toward achieving a healthy pregnancy, nurturing a healthy child, and maintaining a financially stable family compared to their counterparts nationwide.
Similar to states with stringent abortion laws, residents of childbearing age in Tennessee are more likely to reside in areas lacking maternal care and overarching healthcare shortages. Enrollment in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is lower among women, infants, and children, and Tennessee stands out as one of only ten states that has not expanded Medicaid access to a larger pool of low-income families.
“It’s survival, every day,” remarked Janie Busbee, founder of a Nashville nonprofit that provides baby supplies for low-income mothers. “If we alleviate some of that stress, maybe they’d have time to dream.”
In response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade in 2022, Tennessee’s GOP leaders assert that they are enhancing services for families. The state did extend Medicaid coverage for mothers from 60 days postpartum to a year in 2022, facilitating program access for an additional 3,000 mothers annually.
The Medicaid income eligibility for parents now aligns with the poverty level—nearly $26,000 for a family of three—and beneficiaries can receive 100 free diapers a month for infants under two. Reports indicate that these initiatives have led to increased enrollment in government services for new parents.
“Pro-life is much more than defending the lives of the unborn,” stated officials during a recent address, emphasizing a commitment to human dignity beyond politics.
Nevertheless, nonprofit leaders and mothers acknowledge considerable gaps in Tennessee’s safety net.
Anika Chillis, a single mother in Memphis, relies on Medicaid, WIC, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Although she appreciates the assistance, she shared concerns about the program’s instability after briefly losing WIC benefits.
“It’s hard,” she said, watching her children play nearby. “Groceries are constantly going up.” The challenges of single parenthood, she added, make the situation even more daunting.
Despite recent enhancements, Tennessee’s performance in WIC enrollment, Medicaid coverage, maternal care availability, and paid family leave requirements remains dismal, according to a recent study.
States with similarly stringent abortion regulations, such as Idaho, Alabama, Missouri, Georgia, and Mississippi, exhibit comparable shortcomings in these areas. Research shows that restrictive states have a higher average birth rate and a significantly lower average abortion rate than states with more liberal policies.
Experts argue that states enforcing abortion restrictions are often more conservative both fiscally and socially. Meanwhile, Tennessee’s Republican supermajority continues to resist measures to expand Medicaid to families earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level, which is approximately $35,600 for a family of three. Criticism has mounted against TennCare, particularly following a federal ruling that deemed the termination of coverage for thousands of families as unlawful.
DiJuana Davis, a Nashville resident, faced severe consequences when she had her Medicaid coverage abruptly cut prior to a necessary surgery. An address error during her renewal process left her uninsured, resulting in complications during her subsequent pregnancy.
“The system is broken,” Davis stated. “It needs to be fixed.”
This year, over 3% of the 83,000 babies born in Tennessee had mothers who did not receive prenatal care, ranking Tennessee among the states with the highest figures.
Ongoing doctor shortages further complicate care after childbirth, with about one-third of Tennessee residents living in areas lacking primary care resources.
Mothers report that navigating aid programs can be difficult. Chillis experienced challenges when trying to renew her WIC benefits and ultimately required assistance from a nonprofit organization to restore her enrollment.
Barriers to access are prevalent, as many women express a lack of awareness regarding available programs. Cagnacci also experienced frustrations with the SNAP renewal process, which she characterized as a significant headache.
Women with young children in states where abortion access is restricted reported finding it challenging to obtain social services, according to a recent survey. Nearly half of those surveyed stated difficulties accessing food stamps.
Critics highlight that the lingering weaknesses in support systems expose the shortcomings of claims made by proponents of restrictive abortion policies, raising questions about the true commitment to preserving the well-being of families.
The state’s new diaper program illustrates the political divisions surrounding aid initiatives, with differing opinions on whether these efforts adequately address families’ needs. Meanwhile, about 30% of Tennessee households earn above the poverty line but still struggle to afford basic living costs.
“Some are working three jobs and still can’t survive,” noted Busbee, emphasizing the inadequacy of existing support systems.
While various charities provide vital assistance, their reach is often limited to specific areas, with some nonprofits constrained by strict income eligibility criteria imposed by government programs.
Nonprofit leaders express concerns that pending changes in administration and potential legislative shifts could further jeopardize federal assistance programs strongly criticized by Republican lawmakers.
“We’ve seen attempts to cut social services in the past, and I’m concerned about the implications for families in Tennessee and beyond,” cautioned an advocacy director from a local justice organization.
