Nebraska Voters Say Yes to Abortion Ban, No to Expansion

In a historic move, Nebraska voters have decided to keep the state's current abortion restrictions in place. They voted to enshrine a ban on abortions after 12 weeks in the state constitution. This ban, passed by the state legislature last year, allows exceptions for cases of rape, incest, or when the pregnant woman's life is at risk. On the same ballot, voters rejected a measure that aimed to expand abortion rights to the point of viability, which is typically around 21 weeks of gestation. This makes Nebraska the first state to have competing abortion amendments on the same ballot since the U. S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022.

The 12-week ban was backed by some of Nebraska's wealthiest individuals, including former governor Pete Ricketts, who donated over $1. 1 million. Religious organizations, such as the Nebraska Catholic Conference, also played a significant role in supporting the measure. On the other side, the effort to enshrine viability as the standard was supported by medical, advocacy, and social justice groups, including Planned Parenthood. But the story doesn't end with abortion. Nebraska voters also approved two measures that could legalize medical marijuana. These measures, however, face a legal challenge due to alleged violations in the petition process. Voters also repealed a new law that funded private school tuition with taxpayer money and approved a measure requiring employers to provide at least 40 hours of paid sick leave.

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