Nebraska bill banning abortions when cardiac activity is detected passes first round of debate

[RandySF]

LINCOLN — Nebraska anti-abortion advocates celebrated clearing a major legislative hurdle Wednesday in a decades-long effort to curb what they call “elective abortions,” or abortions by choice.

Every Republican in the Legislature and one Democrat, State Sen. Mike McDonnell of Omaha, provided the 33 votes needed to overcome a filibuster. Lawmakers gave first-round passage to Legislative Bill 626 by a 33-16 margin.

The bill, introduced by State Sen. Joni Albrecht of Thurston, would outlaw abortions after a required ultrasound detects embryonic cardiac activity. That is typically at about six weeks, before many women know they are pregnant.

Albrecht described the first-round passage of LB 626 as “monumental” for Nebraska.

“This is about elective abortions,” she said about her bill’s intent. “I know every woman and every child deserves love. We can protect their lives.”




https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/12/nebraska-bill-banning-abortions-when-cardiac-activity-is-detected-passes-first-round-of-debate/