In a debate over abortion legislation in the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday evening, Chattanooga Republican Todd Gardenhire argued the process of a man undergoing a vasectomy is more difficult than that of a woman seeking an abortion.

"Men go through a lot more stringent process for a vasectomy than women, I assume, go through for an abortion," he told the committee. The comment came after Memphis Democratic Sen. Sara Kyle argued increased regulations on abortions should be extended to vasectomies if the government interjects in women's reproductive decisions.

Tennessee State Code Annotated currently mentions abortion in 15 passages of the code. Vasectomy is not mentioned.

The debate came in the midst of debate on SB1222, legislation that would build in a 48-hour waiting period for an abortion and require the woman to sign a form indicating she has been informed of the details of her pregnancy, her options and the risks of pregnancy and abortion. The committee went on to advance the bill on a 7-2 vote, sending it to the floor. The House version is up for debate in the House Health Committee Wednesday.

Earlier, the committee advanced SB1280, legislation that would require abortion facilities to meet the requirements of ambulatory surgical centers, which could effectively put four facilities out of business, according to Sen. Joey Hensley, R-Hohenwald. The bill is also headed to a full Senate floor vote. The House version is awaiting a floor vote.

The legislation comes as a response to the voters approving a constitutional amendment last fall giving legislators the authority to amend the state code in relation to abortion.