State takes measures to provide free diapers for mothers in need

One of the largest arguments, aside from the basic “my body, my voice”, against abortion is that there are many expectant mothers that cannot afford diapers or care for their babies. However, a new resource that becomes available for Tennesseans on Wednesday, August 7, provides mothers in need with up to 100 free diapers monthly.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the state’s Medicaid Program, TennCare, will be providing 100 diapers per month for children under two. The child must be enrolled in TennCare or CoverKids healthcare coverage. The benefit is part of the governor’s Strong Families Initiative.

TennCare is the first state Medicaid program in the country to address the need of new mothers by providing diapers. With inflation and prices of items on the rise, the benefit will provide much needed help for new mothers. The benefit is aimed at assisting mothers with preventing rashes, infections, illnesses, and doctor or ER visits by ensuring the mother has access to new and clean diapers.

TennCare has obtained partnerships with pharmacies across the state that will serve as the location for mothers to get the diapers. A mother just simply goes to one of the participating pharmacies and shows the child’s TennCare or CoverKids card, or provides the child’s social security number, and they will receive the diapers as part of the program. The diapers must be part of the chosen lines and sizes of Huggies and Cuties and must be through the participating pharmacies. The state plans to add other brands such as Luvs and Pampers in the future.

With an average cost of $70-$80 monthly, diapers can put a large financial strain on those with low income and already struggling to pay expenses. Tennessee was one of the first states to pass an abortion ban following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Opponents argue that Republicans and conservatives focus on banning abortion but do nothing to help mothers keep their children. Tennessee is proving that theory wrong.

The Tennessee General Assembly passed the Human Life Protection Act in August 2022. Governor Lee signed the law, and it went into effect on August 25, 2022.  The law bans abortion at all stages or pregnancy. It does, on the other hand, provide exceptions for molar or ectopic pregnancies, removing a miscarriage, saving the life of the mother, or to prevent serious risk of substantial and irreversible impairment or a major bodily function.