A new memorial dedicated to unborn children is set to be revealed on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade’s overturn, sparking discussions among Tennessee residents, as reported by WTVF in Nashville.
Approved by state legislators over seven years ago, the first phase of a granite memorial honoring unborn children is in progress and is scheduled for placement at the Tennessee Capitol on June 24.
State Senator Janice Bowling, a Republican involved in the project, stated, “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.”
The memorial, privately funded, will resemble a cemetery marker with language reflecting grief and sorrow, according to the report.
Bowling described the memorial as a space for reflection, remembrance, and closure for some individuals, emphasizing that it will be larger than a typical cemetery marker.
Despite strong Democratic opposition, the project has progressed, with Nashville Rep. John Ray Clemmons raising concerns that the memorial could stigmatize women who faced difficult decisions regarding abortion.
Critics argue that placing the memorial on Capitol grounds could imply state endorsement of a particular stance on abortion, potentially deepening divisions in the ongoing reproductive rights debate.
Representative Heidi Campbell expressed her concerns, stating, “This is a very divisive issue, and just for that reason alone, it should not be something we’re memorializing up at the Capitol.”
Bowling defended the memorial against criticism, highlighting its bipartisan support in the legislature.
The project faced delays due to private funding requirements, but progress resumed after a $4,000 donation was made and approved by the State Building Commission last August.
Fundraising efforts for the project will continue, with additional proceeds allocated for flowers to adorn the marker, as reported by WTVF.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Tennessee secretary of state’s communications team for comment.
