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For Immediate Release: July 3, 2024
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Abortions After the First Trimester Drop 69% in Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. – Protect Women & Children has submitted signatures to place a measure on the ballot protecting Nebraska babies from painful second- and third-trimester abortions. The group comprised of medical professionals which began its efforts in March collected more than 205,000 signatures from all counties in the states – well over the 123,000 valid signatures required.

The proposed constitutional amendment that mirrors the 12-week protection is supported by SBA Pro-Life America and other pro-life groups to stop the ballot measure that enshrines all-trimester abortions supported by the ACLU and Planned Parenthood. SBA Pro-Life America Western Regional Director Adam Schwend celebrated the submission of signatures for the 12-week measure:

“Today marks a step forward for Nebraska as we continue the fight over the greatest human rights struggle of our time. Nebraska saw a massive drop in late-term abortions last year thanks to the law protecting life after 12 weeks. Come November, Nebraskans will have the opportunity to save more lives and protect more women from the horrors of second- and third-trimester abortion by making this protection permanent.

“Protect Women & Children’s ballot measure stands in stark contrast to the ACLU’s all-trimester abortion amendment. By giving voters a reasonable alternative, we will put a stop to the abortion lobby’s attempt to enshrine second- and third-trimester abortion, eliminate parental rights, and eviscerate health and safety protections for women.”

According to 2023 data released by Nebraska’s Health and Human Services Department, there was a 9% decrease in abortions and 69% drop in abortions after 12 weeks last year. Gov. Jim Pillen signed the state’s 12-week pro-life bill into law last May which went into effect immediately.

The full text of the 12-week ballot measure reads:

Except when a woman seeks an abortion necessitated by a medical emergency or when the pregnancy results from sexual assault or incest, unborn children shall be protected from abortion in the second and third trimesters.

Implications of the other abortion ballot measure backed by Planned Parenthood and the ACLU include:

• Abortion throughout pregnancy — the amendment leaves post-viability abortion for “health” to the discretion of the abortionist. Without defining “health,” courts have found that it can be based on non-medical factors, including mental, spiritual, financial or familial health. Furthermore, viability is defined as being based solely on the abortionist’s judgment and would not include any baby who needs “extraordinary medical measures,” which could be as simple as a short stay in the NICU. As abortion activists have said, “Roe is the floor, not the ceiling” for their agenda.
• The elimination of health and safety protections for women — Language on the fundamental right to abortion “without interference from the state” puts all of Nebraska’s medical safeguards at risk. This includes obtaining informed consent and performing a medical screening, seeing a physician in person or even seeing a medical professional at all.
• The evisceration of parental rights – By using the words “all persons” in the amendment, this will mean parents will not have any ability to consent or even know if their minor daughter seeks an abortion. They may also have no recourse if their daughter is harmed during the abortion.

According a poll from 2023, 72% of Nebraskans reject unlimited abortion.

 

Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America is a network of more than one million pro-life Americans nationwide, dedicated to ending abortion by electing national leaders and advocating for laws that save lives, with a special calling to promote pro-life women leaders.

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