Nebraska limits abortions to 20 weeks
A new law in Nebraska will require women who want an abortion to have the procedure before the 20th week of the pregnancy, and another new law requires doctors to conduct a psychological screening of their patients before performing an abortion. Gov. Dave Heineman signed the new laws, LB 594 and LB 1103, on Tuesday.
Under LB 1103, abortions after 20 weeks will not be allowed in Nebraska based on studies indicating an unborn child is capable of feeling pain by that stage in a pregnancy. The current standard is based on fetal viability, which is generally considered to occur around 22 to 24 weeks. It also will require physicians to report to state officials the point in the pregnancy at which abortions are performed. “The U.S. Supreme Court has clearly affirmed that states have a legitimate and substantial interest in preserving and promoting unborn human life at different stages in the pregnancy,” said state Sen. Mike Flood, sponsor of the bill. “And, considering the scientific evidence that the 20-week-old unborn child has the ability to feel pain, state regulation of these late-term abortions is both appropriate and necessary.”
LB 594 updates Nebraska’s informed consent law to help ensure any patient seeking an abortion is doing so voluntarily. It adds provisions to state statute to ensure physicians and medical providers take into account potential risk factors, as well as any potential for physical or mental complications. The bill also outlines a civil process that will be available to any woman who says she was not properly informed of the risks. “Women are suffering from avoidable physical and psychological complications that may have been prevented or minimized had they received adequate pre-abortion screening and counseling,” said State Sen. Cap Dierks, the bill’s sponsor. “Women deserve better. LB 594 will ensure that women receive the appropriate standard of care.”
Both bills allow for exemptions in medical emergencies. Read Heineman’s full press release on the new laws.