Reproductive Rights in Nebraska
On June 24, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case. The League of Women Voters has a long history of supporting women’s reproductive rights (see page 56 of Impact on Issues) and at our 2022 convention, reaffirmed by passing a resolution stating:
Be it resolved that the LWVUS supports the rights of women and those who can become pregnant to self-determination related to, and including, but not limited to bodily autonomy, privacy, reproductive health, and lifestyle choice to bodily autonomy.
LB626 — a six-week abortion ban — was introduced by Sen. Joni Albrecht on Jan. 17, 2023. Members of the League of Women Voters of Nebraska attended a press conference opposing the bill in the Capitol rotunda and submitted testimony on Feb. 1, 2023. The LWVNE also sent all state senators a letter at the beginning of the legislative session outlining our position against restrictions on reproductive rights and the consequences of such bans that should be considered.
The League of Women Voters of Nebraska will oppose restrictions on the reproductive rights of women and those who can become pregnant. We are calling on our members and the Nebraska community at large to contact their state senators to tell them that the state of Nebraska should not interfere with the decision of a woman in consultation with her doctor, family and religious adviser. Below you will find information that will help you stay informed and take action.
Take Action
Your voice is important. Explore the ways you can take action to protect reproductive rights in Nebraska.
Current Abortion Law in Nebraska
Termination up to 20 weeks is still legal in Nebraska. Learn more about the most recent legislative action and potential changes in the next year.
Local & National Media
The June 24 ruling had immediate and complicated impacts in states across the country. Read about the real world impacts.
Reproductive Facts & Figures
Cut through the noise and evaluate the data, research and polling around reproductive justice issues.
The Nebraska Unicameral will take up the issue of abortion in the new 108th session. We encourage our members and the public to make sure their voices are heard regarding opposition to restrictions on reproductive freedom.
- Contact your state senator. Call or email your state senator and let them know of your opposition to restricting the abilities of women, pregnant people and physicians to discuss and make their own health decisions. Visit this page to confirm who your state senator is along with their contact information.
- Craft your message. Visit the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Nebraska’s guide on taking action guidance.
- Reach out to the governor and speaker. In addition to contacting your state senator, please let the our state leaders know where you stand on reproductive rights: Here are links to the governor’s contact information and the speaker’s contact information.
- Stay up to date. Join our reproductive justice information list to receive real time updates and action items during the special session. Please email action@lwvnebraska.org to be added for timely updates and action alerts.
- Elevate the conversation. Use social media to help get the word out by posting, sharing, liking and retweeting. Follow your legislator, the League and other organizations fighting for reproductive justice such as Planned Parenthood Advocates of Nebraska, I Be Black Girl, Women’s Fund of Omaha and the ACLU.
- Spread the word. Talk to colleagues, family and friends about the issue and encourage them to contact their legislator.
Current Laws and Recent Legislation
The current state laws regarding abortion include mandatory counseling, a 24-hour wait period, parent consent for a minor, and no abortions performed at or after 20 weeks postfertilization except in the case of life endangerment or severely compromised health. During the last regular legislative session, several bills related to abortion were introduced.
LB626, introduced on January 17, 2023 by Sen. Albrecht, is a six week abortion ban. LWVNE opposes this bill. Read our letter to Nebraska senators and our testimony letter against the bill. The following Senators are sponsors of LB626 (along with their legislative disctrict): Albrecht, 17; Aguilar, 35; Ballard, 21; Bostelman, 23; Brewer, 43; Briese, 41; Clements, 2; DeKay, 40; Dorn, 30; Dover, 19; Erdman, 47; Geist, 25; Halloran, 33; Hardin, 48; Holdcroft, 36; Hughes, 24; Ibach, 44; Jacobson, 42; Kauth, 31; Linehan, 39; Lippincott, 34; Lowe, 37; McDonnell, 5; Moser, 22; Murman, 38; Ripe, 12; Sanders, 45; Slama, 1;von Gillern, 4.
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Eight female doctors are trying to keep abortion legal in Nebraska. Will it work?
Nebraska physicians speak out against six-week abortion ban
AMA announces new adopted policies related to reproductive health care
The new landscape of the abortion fight
Abortion ban fails in small Nebraska town; others pass, some narrowly
Nebraska Medical Association shifts stance to support reproductive rights
Roadside babies, dangerous births part of risk in small town Nebraska
Abortion bans complicate access to drugs for cancer, arthritis, even ulcers
Major Indiana employers criticize state’s new abortion law
A challenge for antiabortion states: Doctors reluctant to work there (Omaha Methodist Hospital maternal fetal specialist Dr. Emily Patel quoted.)
Voters in Kansas decide to keep abortion legal in the state, rejecting an amendment
Midlands Voices: An abortion ban in Nebraska ultimately hurts women
Dr. Caitlin Bernard was meant to write this with me before she was attacked for doing her job
Federal law that protects emergency life-saving abortions challenged in Texas suit
State bans on abortion don’t apply to emergency health care, White House reminds providers
Post-Roe, many autoimmune patients lose access to ‘gold standard’ drug
Ricketts says he would consider signing Nebraska abortion ban with exceptions
Poland shows the risks for women when abortion is banned
Where the risks of pregnancy meet abortion laws and health care
I’m a high-risk obstetrician, and I’m terrified for my patients
Infertility patients and doctors fear abortion bans could restrict I.V.F.
Status of the Nebraska Health Care Workforce: Updated 2022
A Preview of the Dangerous Future of Abortion Bans — Texas Senate Bill 8
State Facts About Abortion: Nebraska
Maternal Morbidity and Mortality in Nebraska, 2014-2018
New Report Shows Nebraska Continues Downward Abortion Trend
Gallup Research on Abortion Historical Trends
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