Lawmakers debate abortion pill proposal

On Wednesday, lawmakers debated a proposal concerning the abortion pill.

Sen. Joni Albrecht of Thurston, who introduced the bill, said it would add an extra requirement to Nebraska’s informed consent framework: A physician must tell a pregnant woman it’s possible to reverse the abortion pill’s effects, just in case she changes her mind.

“It’s a woman’s choice,” Albrecht said.  “But she also has a choice to change her mind midway through because emotions are very high when you find out you are going to be having a child and you’re going to be responsible for that child.”

Supporters said the bill ensures pregnant women are informed of all their options when it comes to the abortion pill.

“You really want to go into a doctor and be given a diagnosis or a treatment and not be told of the effects of that treatment? ” Sen. Mike Groene of North Platte said.  “And if you change your mind, there’s an option to change your mind on that treatment.”

Of course, it has some opponents.

“This is not informed consent,” Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha said.  This is the Nebraska Legislature providing medical advice without a license.”

Some senators said they don’t like the idea of the government telling doctors what to tell their patients.

“I’m opposed to this bill simply because where do we stop with informed consent and requiring it?” Sen. Adam Morfeld of Lincoln said.  “Why do we even have doctors at all at that point?  They can just repeat everything that the state mandates to them.”

Debate on this bill will continue Thursday.  It still has to break a filibuster.