Nebraska judge upholds state abortion and gender transition surgery bans
Jack Birle
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A judge in Nebraska upheld the state’s restrictions on abortion and gender transition surgeries, paving the way for the limitations to go into effect in the Cornhusker State.
The law, passed in May, bans abortion past 12 weeks, but there are exceptions for the life of the mother, rape, and incest. It also bans gender transition surgeries for those under 19 years old. Puberty blockers are also banned for minors in Nebraska under this law.
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Gov. Jim Pillen (R-NE) celebrated the ruling on Friday, saying he is “grateful” for the decision by the court.
“I am grateful for the court’s thorough decision,” Pillen said in a statement, per the Associated Press. “I was proud to sign into law a measure that protects kids and defends the unborn, and I am pleased that it has been upheld.”
Abortion rights advocates called the decision a “devastating blow” to their cause but vowed to appeal the court’s decision to uphold the law.
“This decision is a devastating blow to Nebraskans’ fundamental right to make what should be private decisions between them and their doctors. This abortion ban disproportionately affects people in rural areas, people of color, people with low incomes, and young people, further widening already unacceptable health inequities,” Ruth Richardson, CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States, said in a statement.
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“But, I want to be clear, this is not the end of this fight. We will appeal this decision and, in the meantime, continue to provide abortion before 12 weeks of pregnancy, as permitted by law. Nothing about this setback changes our commitment to standing up for the rights and health of all Nebraskans,” Richardson added.
Nebraska is one of a growing number of states which has outlawed transgender surgeries for minors. The state also joins various other states which have restricted abortion in the aftermath of the overruling of Roe v. Wade in the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.