Nebraska group releases language of petition to repeal 12-week abortion ban

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A group has released the language of its petition seeking to repeal Nebraska’s 12-week abortion ban.

The group – Protect Our Rights – announced the petition’s object statement Wednesday, a day before its official launch at an event in Omaha.

“The object of this petition is to amend the Nebraska Constitution to provide all persons the fundamental right to abortion without interference from the state or its political subdivisions until fetal viability, which is the point in pregnancy when, in the professional judgment of the patient’s health care practitioner, there is a significant likelihood of the fetus’ sustained survival outside the uterus without the application of extraordinary medical measures; or when needed to protect the life or health of the pregnant patient.”

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Protect Our Rights also sent out the petition’s language, which would amend Article I of the Nebraska Constitution.

“All persons shall have a fundamental right to abortion until fetal viability, or when needed to protect the life or health of the pregnant patient, without interference from the state or its political subdivisions.  Fetal viability means the point in pregnancy when, in the professional judgment of the patient’s treating health care practitioner, there is a significant likelihood of the fetus’ sustained survival outside the uterus without the application of extraordinary medical measures.”

If the initiative meets the state’s signature requirements, Nebraskans will vote on the matter in the November 2024 election.

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

In a statement, State Sen. Joni Albrecht – an avid abortion opponent – said the group’s “extreme proposal” would allow for late-term abortions and eliminate health and safety standards.

“Abortion is legal in the first trimester in Nebraska with clear exceptions for the life of the mother and medical emergencies throughout pregnancy,” Albrecht said.  “An amendment that jeopardizes the health and safety of women and abandons babies who deserve love and protection to painful late-term abortion procedures must be rejected.”

The Let Them Grow Act, which included a 12-week abortion ban, was signed into law on May 22.  The ban went into effect immediately due to an emergency clause.

SEE ALSO: Planned Parenthood transfers women to out-of-state clinics as Nebraska abortion ban begins