Co-sponsor of Nebraska’s anti-abortion bill has doubts as 2nd round of debate begins

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The second round of debate begins this Thursday for the Nebraska Heartbeat Act.

Just earlier this month state senators advanced the bill that’s seeking to severely restrict abortions.

The procedure would be banned once cardiac activity can be detected in an embryo, which is around the sixth week of pregnancy.

Most women don’t even know they’re pregnant at that point.

A co-sponsor of the measure announced during the first round of debate that concerns shared by doctors have given her pause on how it’s currently written.

Right now it includes exceptions for cases of rape, incest and medical emergencies that threaten the mother’s life.

But Senator Teresa Ibach said she’s concerned it doesn’t make allowances for fetal anomalies.

Ibach still voted to advance the legislation in order to continue debating the details.

She believes the 12 week proposal could be a compromise, but opponents have said they will not agree to any bans.

Currently the legislation makes exceptions for ectopic pregnancies as well, along with IVF procedures and removal of a fetus that has died.

Women who receive abortions and doctors who perform them also wouldn’t face criminal penalties.

The latter could potentially lose their medical license if the procedure violates the measure.

Debate is scheduled to get underway no later than 11:30 a.m.