Sept 13 (Askume) – Nebraska’s Supreme Court announced a ruling on Friday that could put competing proposals for a constitutional amendment on the line in the November election, one that would guarantee abortion rights, the other that would restrict abortion rights.
A proposed amendment, sponsored by a coalition of pro-abortion rights groups, including allies of Planned Parenthood, would establish a “fundamental right” to have an abortion until the fetus is viable and thereafter protect the life or health of the mother.
The anti-abortion measure, sponsored by a group of anti-abortion doctors, bans abortion early in pregnancy, except in cases of medical emergency, rape or incest. It is similar to Nebraska’s current abortion law .
An amendment supporting abortion rights was challenged by a doctor and the founder of an organization that provides shelter to women with unwanted pregnancies. In contrast, the amendment was challenged by a group of practicing and retired doctors.
Both challenges argue that the proposed amendment improperly addresses multiple topics related to abortion rights in different circumstances and risks confusing voters. But the Nebraska Supreme Court ruled that both cover the same topic and are clear.
“If the abortion expansion ballot initiative passes, the people of Nebraska will face unregulated late-term abortions,” Matt Heffron of the Thomas More Society, an attorney for the anti-abortion challengers, said in a statement. “We are concerned that the Nebraska Supreme Court has knowingly allowed the people of Nebraska to vote on a deceptive initiative.”
Lawyers for challengers of the anti-abortion measure and the office of Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Nebraska is one of nine states expected to vote on abortion rights in November, with abortion rights advocates seeking to repeal new abortion restrictions and restrictions passed by Republican-controlled states that have been struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court . Policy on abortion and women’s reproductive rights are major issues in this year’s presidential election .
