Group appeals judge’s decision to uphold Nebraska’s abortion, gender-affirming care bans

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – An abortion rights group is fighting a judge’s decision to uphold Nebraska’s ban on abortion and gender-affirming health care.

Planned Parenthood of the Heartland and its medical director, Dr. Sarah Traxler, filed a notice of appeal to the Nebraska Supreme Court on Friday.

In the initial lawsuit, the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska said Legislative Bill 574 violated the single-subject rule of the state constitution.

But last week, Lancaster County District Judge Lori Maret said the Nebraska Supreme Court has interpreted that rule liberally.

SEE ALSO: Planned Parenthood, Nebraska Right to Life recap one year without Roe v. Wade

Mindy Rush Chipman, the ACLU of Nebraska’s executive director, said the organization is hopeful that the Nebraska Supreme Court will overrule the decision.

“We will continue to advocate for Nebraskans’ rights and do all we can to block both the abortion ban and the restriction on gender-affirming care for trans youth,” Chipman said in a statement.

LB 574 bans abortion after 12 weeks of gestation, with exceptions for rape, incest and medical emergencies.

It also prohibits gender-affirming surgeries for people under 19.

SEE ALSO: Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen signs abortion, gender-affirming care bans into law