Update: Six-week abortion ban bill sent to floor of Unicameral

LB626 — the six-week abortion ban bill — was advanced by the Health and Human Services Committee to General File on a vote of 4-2, with one senator, Lynne Walz of Fremont, absent for the executive session. Sen. Joni Albrecht of Thurston has named LB626 as her priority bill for the session.

Members of the League of Women Voters of Nebraska joined other reproductive rights advocates at the State Capitol on Feb. 1 to speak out against LB626. The day began with a press conference attended by hundreds against the bill. The hearing consisted of three hours of testimony in support and three hours of testimony in opposition to the bill, with people turned away from testifying due to time limits. 

More than 20 doctors testified in opposition, stating that LB626 would hurt women and families. Five doctors — including a retired physician and a physician from out of state — testified in support.