In the middle of a global pandemic and a national health care crisis, anti-choice politicians continue to push through cruel legislation banning abortion.
Yesterday, Nebraska L.B. 814 was pulled out of committee for consideration by the Senate. If passed, it would ban a procedure (known medically as dilation and evacuation or D&E) that is commonly used in second-trimester abortions. Doctors who perform this procedure would be punishable by up to two years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
D&E procedures are evidence-based and medically preferred for second-trimester abortions. According to the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, D&E procedures result in the fewest complications.
The bill codifies into law beliefs not based on science or morality, but on religion and so-called holy books. The Christian Right has been and remains the primary opponent to women’s reproductive rights. Additionally, just like all similar bans before, politicians know this will be struck down in court. Certain lawmakers, however, continue to waste taxpayer time and money passing these bills just to score points with their religious base.
Please take a moment and demand that your state legislators vote “no” on this bill. Nebraska lawmakers are filibustering to kill this bill, and it is critical that they hear support from secular voices. Even if your state senator is anti-choice, they need to hear from opposing voices. Political offices keep a record of calls and emails received in support or opposition of each bill. Even when the Religious Right has a grip on political offices, it is critical that we don’t let them falsely claim a mandate on issues like this.
