The petition process for the Right to Abortion Initiative, a proposed amendment that would insert a right to abortion in the state constitution, began in October of 2023. By July 3, 2024, abortion proponents submitted more than the requisite number of signatures to advance the initiative process. The office of the Secretary of State verified the submitted signatures and thus certified the measure for the November ballot.
A second ballot measure will offer Nebraskans a far less extreme option. The “Protect Women and Children” proposed amendment will enshrine in the state constitution Nebraska’s current 12-week abortion ban, with exceptions for medical emergency, rape, or incest. This measure was challenged in court by abortion proponents just before the ballot measure was to be certified, but the Nebraska Supreme Court decided to keep the measure on the ballot.
Currently, Nebraska allows abortions up to 12 weeks’ gestation, with an exception for life of the mother. If the extreme proposed amendment were to pass it would allow abortion up to the point of “viability” (around 24 weeks), and then allow abortions after that for “health reasons.” Among the many problems with this language, it would subject pregnant women to health and safety risks because it gives the power to any abortion practitioner (not a doctor) to determine who lives and who dies. Late-term abortions could cover a wide range of reasons and be performed on minors without the consent of their parents.
Nebraskans are facing an extreme abortion measure that is dangerous, deceptive, and demeaning. Every Nebraskan is needed to protect the life and dignity of women, girls, and babies by defeating this effort. The Nebraska Catholic Conference (NCC) offers information on ways to speak up, sign-up, share and pray about the hazards of this initiative. Go to NCC and get involved!
