Nebraska approves law on abortion and transgender treatment.

Nebraska Passes Controversial Abortion and Transgender Treatment Bill

Protesters gathered inside the State Capitol building on Friday, May 19, 2023, in Lincoln, Neb., before lawmakers were scheduled to begin debating a bill that will ban abortions at 12 weeks of pregnancy and also ban gender-affirming care for transgender minors. The Nebraska legislature passed the bill, which prohibits abortions after 12 weeks and gender-related treatment for minors, despite protests and opposition from Democrats.

Controversial Bill Sparks Protests

When Nebraska attempted to ban abortions after six weeks previously, the measure failed to pass by one vote. This time, state GOP Sen. Ben Hansen added the 12-week abortion ban to the Let Them Grow Act, a law prohibiting gender-related treatment for minors. The vote was met with protesters inside Nebraska’s Capitol, some of whom were pictured holding signs that read “Respect my trans homies.” Chairwoman of the Nebraska Democratic Party Jane Kleeb echoed protesters’ sentiments.

“Extremists in the legislature decided that the mental health, the economic impact, and the private decisions between a doctor and a patient are not worth protecting, and instead enacted harmful and discriminatory legislation,” Kleeb wrote in a statement. “The extremists showed the entire state that they are pro-life in name only since they can’t seem to lift a finger helping kids and families, all they can do is play to the worst of culture wars meant to demean and divide.”

Kleeb also promised to put the new law to a vote for the public.

Exceptions and Opposition

The original bill was introduced in January, with Hansen adding his amendment last week. Late Friday, the legislature reached its supermajority of 33 votes, with 15 voting against the measures. Democratic State Sen. Justin Wayne was excused from the vote. The Washington Examiner has reached out to Wayne’s office for comment. Nebraska reports 86% of abortions occur before 12 weeks. This newest law includes exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother.

Despite opposition from Democrats and protesters, Governor Jim Pillen (R-NE) wrote in a statement, “All children deserve a chance to grow and live happy, fruitful lives. This includes pre-born boys and girls, and it includes children struggling with their gender identity. These kids deserve the opportunity to grow and explore who they are and want to be, and they can do so without making irreversible decisions that should be made when they are fully grown.”

It remains to be seen when Pillen will sign the bill into law.

Looking Ahead

The passing of this controversial bill has sparked debate and protests in Nebraska. While some believe it protects the rights of pre-born children and minors struggling with their gender identity, others argue it is harmful and discriminatory legislation that infringes on the private decisions between a doctor and a patient. As the state awaits Governor Pillen’s decision on whether to sign the bill into law, the debate over abortion and transgender treatment continues.