Both sides watching closely as Nebraska Legislature takes up proposed abortion ban

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Abortion rights advocates and anti-abortion organizations are set to be at the Legislature on Wednesday as the Nebraska Heartbeat Act is debated. 

Introduced by Sen. Joni Albrecht, LB 626 would ban abortion after cardiac activity is detected, which typically happens around six weeks of gestation.  

“When people are given the opportunity to understand the scientific evidence of the unborn child in the womb, when a heart is detectable, they’re more likely to support measures that protect that child,” said Sandy Danek with Nebraska Right to Life.

Since the overturn of Roe v. Wade, states have been trying to enact restrictions on abortion. 

“The current public health crisis, the ongoing attacks on abortion access and the undermining of the will of the majority are why Nebraska is so important right now,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

Sen. Merv Riepe filed an amendment that would start the ban at 12 weeks. 

Danek said that’s not good enough. 

“The problem with that is it doesn’t save enough lives,” she said. “We are talking about saving about 85% of the lives that are lost through abortion on a regular basis within the state of Nebraska.”

Planned Parenthood said the 12-week amendment is not much different from the original proposal. 

“Planned Parenthood’s position is that any attempt to ban abortion is a ban on abortion,” said Andi Curry Grubb, director of public affairs for the Planned Parenthood Advocates of Nebraska.