BRISTOL, Tenn.-Va. – State Street marks the unique border where Virginia meets Tennessee in the Appalachian community of Bristol. As the birthplace of country music and home to NASCAR’s Bristol Motor Speedway, the two states in this town share common amenities such as a library, chamber of commerce, and post office.
However, the fall of Roe v. Wade in 2022 divided Bristol. Virginia allows the procedure, while Tennessee prohibits it. This has put Bristol at the forefront of the nation’s highly charged abortion debate, with powerful influencers from both sides fueling zoning fights, legal battles, and protests.
Bristol Women’s Health, a clinic that opened on the Virginia side, has become a focal point for those seeking abortions, who no longer have to travel long distances to access care. The clinic sees patients from states where abortion is severely restricted or banned.
While politicians and advocates may have polarized views on abortion, residents of Bristol tell a more nuanced story. Terrie Driver, who works at Bristol Women’s Health, emphasizes that abortion is a personal choice and not a political one.
The small community of Bristol has been thrust into the national spotlight since the divisive Supreme Court decision in 2022. Efforts to restrict abortion in Bristol have faced legal challenges, but tensions remain high in this town straddling two states.
Volunteers at the clinic have faced threats and hostility, reflecting the heightened emotions surrounding the issue of abortion. Despite the challenges, organizations like State Line Abortion Access Partners have come together to support patients in need of care.
As Bristol continues to navigate the complexities of differing abortion laws on either side of State Street, the community remains divided but resilient in the face of intense scrutiny and opposition.
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