In a development that occurred just over one week after Nebraska’s pro-life governor Jim Pillen signed LB 574, the American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Nebraska filed a lawsuit challenging LB 574.
The plaintiffs are representing Planned Parenthood of the Heartland (PPH) and abortionist Sarah Traxler. The lawsuit was filed in a state trial court in Lancaster County on Tuesday.
On 16 May, Amendment 1568, the “Preborn Child Protection Act,” was attached to LB 574. This amendment provides protection for the majority of Nebraska preborn babies at 12 weeks gestation and beyond, with the exception of cases of rape, incest and the life of the mother.
Nebraska Right to Life expressed its gratitude for the leadership of Governor Pillen, who collaborated with pro-life senators to offer some protection with the introduction of Amendment 1568. We would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the pro-life commitment shown by Senator Joni Albrecht, who introduced the Nebraska Heartbeat Act; Senator Ben Hansen, who proposed the “Preborn Child Protection Act”; and the unwavering courage demonstrated by the pro-life senators in the Nebraska Legislative Body.
Nevertheless, as Abigail Carrera of KOLN has observed,
“The groups are seeking a court order blocking enforcement of the bans and restrictions combined in House Bill 574 and declaring them unconstitutional on the grounds that they relate to two separate subjects.”
The lawsuit also seeks a temporary restraining order to block enforcement of the restrictions while the case is pending.
Carrera notes that the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office will have 30 days to respond to the lawsuit after being served. “The presiding judge may take action on the request for a preliminary injunction at any point during the proceedings.”
Daniel Miller is responsible for nearly all of National Right to Life News' political writing.
With the election of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency, Daniel Miller developed a deep obsession with U.S. politics that has never let go of the political scientist. Whether it's the election of Joe Biden, the midterm elections in Congress, the abortion rights debate in the Supreme Court or the mudslinging in the primaries - Daniel Miller is happy to stay up late for you.
Daniel was born and raised in New York. After living in China, working for a news agency and another stint at a major news network, he now lives in Arizona with his two daughters.
