LB 209, introduced by Sen. Joni Albrecht and signed into law by Gov. Ricketts on June 6, is the proverbial canary in the coalmine, a warning of further restrictions on reproductive health care. This bill is an attempt by anti-choice lawmakers to chip away at safe, legal abortion access. The bill originally required doctors to misinform patients seeking an abortion by telling them it is possible for medication abortion to be reversed. Medication abortion “reversal” is an untested, unproven procedure based on junk science, and lawmakers have no right to interfere in the doctor-patient relationship, especially when mandating information that further stigmatizes and shames abortion patients.
LB 209 passed with an amendment removing the mandate that physicians advise patients on the ability to “reverse” a medication abortion, making the law slightly less harmful. While PPVN appreciates the work of the Judiciary Committee to try to “fix” the bill via amendment, the bill that passed still includes reference to a patient changing their mind once the procedure is underway and still creates additional government interference in a decision that belongs with an individual, their family, and their doctor. The Governor has made clear his ultimate goal is an outright ban on safe, legal abortion. LB 209 may not be an abortion ban, but it’s paving the way for one in Nebraska.
- If your senator voted “Yes” to this bill, send them an email to express your disappointment in their support of this unethical and unscientific bill. Let them know how important sexual and reproductive health care is, and that going forward, you hope they will support proactive legislation and stand up against attacks on sexual and reproductive health care.
- If your senator voted “No” to this bill, be sure to thank them for standing for science, medicine, and reproductive health care access for all people.
