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The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
After years of delay, a monument honoring unborn children is set to be unveiled on the Tennessee State Capitol grounds on the third anniversary of the overturning of Roe v. Wade. But some Democrat lawmakers are unhappy about the memorial, claiming it is too political, while pro-life conservatives champion the installation.
The granite monument will reportedly resemble a large cemetery marker and “have some words on it just expressing the grief, the sorrow,” according to Sen. Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma-District 16) who has helped spearhead the effort.
“We just want to honor the fact they were created in the image of God, they were human beings, and we need to show some reverence for humans and our fellow man,” Bowling said.
Originally approved by the state legislature in 2018, the project has seen a delay of nearly eight years as the bill required the monument be funded through private donations.
The first donation of $4,000 was approved by the State Building Commission in August of 2025, finally allowing the state architect to begin the initial design and planning. A second donation was received a little later in the year, allowing the project to progress further.
But Democrats have maintained opposition to the monument since its inception, arguing that placing the memorial on Capitol grounds implies the state is endorsing a specific viewpoint on abortion and it could “deepen divisions” in debates on reproductive rights.
Democrat Rep. John Ray Clemmons (Nashville-District 55) criticized the proposal when it first made its way through the General Assembly in 2018, saying the monument was “either to stigmatize women who’ve made the most difficult decision of their life, or who didn’t have a decision, or it’s to make a political statement, or all of the above.”
Sen. Heidi Campbell (D-Nashville-District 20) continues to speak against the installation, stating the Capitol should remain neutral ground and arguing the memorial represents political symbolism instead of compassion.
“This is a very divisive issue, and just for that reason alone, it should not be something we’re memorializing up at the capitol,” she said. “I know the intent is to reflect compassion but really it reflects control because it’s really about erasing women’s agency, reducing complex medical realities to political symbolism.”
In response, Bowling has dismissed concerns about the controversy, pointing to support the measure received from both chambers of the legislature during its passage.
“People have to grow up, they don’t always get their way. And if they don’t like it, they don’t have to come and view it,” she stated.
The Senator also confirmed that fundraising efforts continue for the project, and any additional proceeds raised will go to flowers placed at the new marker. Should all proceed according to plan, the monument is slated for installation on June 24, 2026.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
3 Responses
Of course lucifer’s accursed murderous dimmercraps oppose it.
Not just Dems. 70% of all Americans oppose extremist abortion laws such as forcing a girl to have a rapist’s baby. That’s why we lost in 2022.
Don’t try to force your religious views on me.
The same people are now talking about Banning contraceptives.
Sperm is alive. What’s next? A Sperm protection law?
The Protestant Bible doesn’t mention the word “abortion” even though there were abortions at the time the books of the Bible were written. In fact, Exodus 21 says a pregnant woman’s life is more valuable than the fetus’s.
First off you say only the four gospels are what only matters in regard to the Bible. Then you reference the book of Exodus when it comes to abortion. Then you go on to misquote what the Bible actually says. Here’s what the Bible actually says it doesn’t mention abortion at all.
Exodus 21:22-25 NIV
22 “If people are fighting and hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman’s husband demands and the court allows. 23 But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.
Here’s your quote.
“The Protestant Bible doesn’t mention the word “abortion” even though there were abortions at the time the books of the Bible were written. In fact, Exodus 21 says a pregnant woman’s life is more valuable than the fetus’s”
You yourself said the word abortion doesn’t exist in the Bible. Yet you go on to speculate that there were abortions taking place in biblical times. That’s called blasphemy. Like I said before you have a sick and perverted view of the Bible. Noticed what verse 23 says
“But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life.” Taking the life of a fetus which is a child of God. Is a serious injury. Even verse 24 and 25 continue on the same.
I will be praying for you. But you need to get on your knees and repent. Ask God for forgiveness. You don”t know the Bible at all. You can’t just pick and choose what YOU think the Bible says.
In God we trust not government or man.
Have a blessed day.