Legislation Would Ban Abortion at About Six Weeks Before Many People Know They Are Pregnant
Note: Please see a recent update in AP style, which avoids the use of “fetal heartbeat” bill since this legislation addresses neither a fetus (it’s still an embryo) nor a heartbeat (it hasn’t yet developed a heart).
OMAHA, NEBRASKA—Nebraska politicians seeking to outlaw abortion in the state today outlined their plans to introduce a near total ban on abortion that also would cause doctors who perform abortions after six weeks or without an ultrasound to lose their medical license.
Their proposal will ban abortion at about six weeks of pregnancy, before many people know they are pregnant. It is modeled after legislation passed in states like Iowa, Missouri, Ohio, and Georgia. Nebraska’s measure would be enforced by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, which would create a panel of medical peers to review any allegations leveraged against health care providers.
“This egregious bill goes against the will of Nebraskans, a majority of whom want abortion to remain safe and legal, and will have ramifications for generations to come,” said Andi Curry Grubb, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Nebraska. “We cannot know a person’s situation—their health, wellbeing, risks, and futures. Every Nebraskan deserves the right to control their reproductive health and their future. This bill strips them of that right. Politicians should not be making decisions for Nebraska families.”
This legislative session is the first since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, giving state politicians more control over Nebraskans’ bodies than they have. While there are more reproductive rights champions in the legislature than ever before, any vote on this measure will be razor thin.
A growing majority of Nebraskans support safe and legal abortion. Fifty-nine percent of Nebraskans do not want any further restrictions on abortion in Nebraska and oppose abortion bans, which is a 23 percentage point difference compared to those who want abortion banned.
“Abortion is still safe and legal in Nebraska, but it’s hanging by a thread. Many people already cannot access the care they need. Planned Parenthood is committed to serving our patients and fighting to ensure they can receive the care they need in our state. Now is the time for Nebraskans to raise their voices and hold their elected officials accountable for every vote they take in their march to eradicate our rights and bodily autonomy. We demand state senators listen to Nebraskans and reject any abortion bans and further restrictions on abortion care,” Curry Grubb added.
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Planned Parenthood Advocates of Nebraska is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization. As the advocacy and electoral arm of PPNCS, we mobilize supporters of all parties to defend and increase access to family planning services and fact based, medically accurate sexuality education. We work to inspire and engage citizens to take up the cause of reproductive health and rights through education, electoral activity, grassroots organizing and legislative advocacy.
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