WBIR: Around 8,500 children in foster care across Tennessee, and around 450 up for adoption at any time

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The U.S. Supreme Court issued an opinion Friday overturning Roe vs. Wade and removing any constitutional right people had to have access to abortion services in the country. Advocates said it would lead to an increase in births, and more children in the foster care system.

Officials said Tuesday there are around 8,500 children in the system across Tennessee. They also said that at any given time, there are around 450 children looking for families willing to adopt them.

Governor Bill Lee previously said state leaders were trying to expand post-partum care for women receiving TennCare benefits. He proposed giving money to caretakers who are relatives of children, such as grandparents or siblings. He also suggested extending foster care services after children traditionally age out.

"A lot of work has been going on, and that's just going to need to continue," he said.

The Adoption Project, a nonprofit working to make the adoption process easier, started in March. However, officials with the organization said the foster care and adoption systems can only be improved if more families sign up for them… Keep reading from WBIR (with video)>