A landmark decision was reached on Friday when a judge in Nebraska upheld the state’s bans on abortion after 12 weeks and gender-affirming care. This ruling is a significant setback for advocacy groups that had challenged the law.
Nebraska passed these bans in May, and they were combined through a last-minute amendment. Earlier this year, lawmakers attempted to pass a 6-week abortion ban but fell short by one vote.
The abortion section of the law does allow exceptions for pregnancies resulting from rape and incest, as well as cases where the life of the mother is at risk. As for the gender-affirming care ban, it will go into effect on October 1 and will apply to individuals under the age of 18. This ban includes restrictions on transgender surgery, puberty blockers, and hormone therapy.
Planned Parenthood challenged the bill, arguing that it violates the state law that prohibits bills from having more than one subject. However, state attorneys argued that the bill does not need to follow this provision since it regulates health.
In response to the judge’s decision, Governor Jim Pillen expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am grateful for the court’s thorough decision. I was proud to sign into law a measure that protects kids and defends the unborn, and I am pleased that it has been upheld.”
Planned Parenthood plans to appeal the ruling, as stated in a release. They emphasized their commitment to the majority of Nebraskans who support the safe and legal availability of abortion in the state.
“This is not over,” the organization declared on X (formerly Twitter). “Planned Parenthood stands together with Nebraskans, a majority of whom support keeping abortion safe and legal in our state. We will appeal this ruling.”
With this ruling, a total of 21 states have implemented various restrictions on abortion, with 15 enacting full bans. Nebraska, along with North Carolina, is one of the two states where abortion is banned at 12 weeks from conception.
It is important to note that gender-affirming care for minors and young adults, including surgery and medication, has been endorsed by numerous reputable medical organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, and the Endocrine Society.
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