In Tennessee, there's a huge court battle going on about abortion. A special group of judges listened to arguments on Thursday. They're deciding whether to stop a law in Tennessee that makes abortion very hard to get.

Seven women and two doctors brought the lawsuit against the state. They say the abortion ban in Tennessee stops them from getting or offering medical help when it’s really needed.

The judges, all women, didn't decide right away. They want to think about it and will write down their decision later.

The women, victims of delayed, deadly and painful abortions, told sad stories about why they need abortions restored as a constitutional right in the state. They said the law stops doctors from helping them, even when it's really important.

Tennessee stopped almost all abortions in August 2022. This happened after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, a landmark ruling that established Americans’ right to have an abortion.

Now, Tennessee is one of 14 states with very strict abortion laws, banning it even for medical emergency cases.

Today the judges heard a lot of arguments in court. The lawyers for Tennessee said the law isn't confusing. 

They said doctors know what they can and can't do. But the women and doctors said it's not so clear. They're scared to help because they might get prosecuted.

The judges also heard about how the law could hurt people. 

Some women had to keep babies even when they were really sick. Others out of state for emergency abortion.

A new law in Tennessee does let doctors do abortions in some cases. 

Like in ectopic pregnancies or to remove a miscarriage. But the women and doctors say this isn't enough. They want clearer rules so doctors know when they can help.

The lawyers for the women and doctors made strong points in court. They said the law shouldn't punish doctors for trying to help. 

They argued that everyone should have the right to make their own medical decisions, especially when their health is at risk.

Meanwhile, people across Tennessee and beyond are paying close attention to what happens next. 

This fight isn't just about laws and courts; it's about people's lives and futures.

For Nicole Blackmon, Allie Phillips, Kaitlyn Dulong, Monica Kelly, Kathryn Archer, Rebecca Milner, Rachel Fulton, and many others, this fight is deeply personal. 

Their stories reflect the struggles and challenges faced by countless individuals affected by Tennessee's abortion laws.

Nicole Blackmon, for example, had to endure the pain of carrying a baby with a fatal diagnosis because she couldn't afford to travel to another state for an abortion.

Allie Phillips and her husband received devastating news about their unborn child's health, but Tennessee's strict laws made it nearly impossible for them to access the care they needed.

These stories illustrate the harsh reality of living in a state where access to reproductive healthcare is severely restricted.

For these individuals, and countless others, the outcome of this legal battle could mean the difference between accessing necessary medical care and being forced to endure unnecessary suffering.

As the judges deliberate and consider their decision, the future of reproductive rights in Tennessee hangs in the balance.

The outcome of this case will not only impact the lives of those directly involved but will also serve as a landmark decision with far-reaching implications for the broader fight for reproductive justice across the nation.