LINCOLN, Neb. — Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling overturning Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, decisions recognizing the constitutional right to abortion. Today's decision is expected to lead to roughly half the states in the country banning abortion, denying an estimated 36 million Americans the fundamental right to decide for themselves whether and when to become a parent.
Abortion is still legal today in Nebraska, but anti-abortion politicians have been clear about their intent to seek a total abortion ban in a special session.
Most Nebraskans are not in support of that plan. March polling on abortion rights in Nebraska found most respondents opposed a total ban and a majority of Nebraskans wanted Roe v. Wade to remain the law of the land.
Advocates helped defeat a total ban earlier this year and they are ready to do so again.
Partnering Nebraska organizations have issued the following statements and will hold a media availability later today. (Details below.)
“Most Nebraskans support keeping abortion legal in our state because they understand no one should be forced to carry a pregnancy against their will or face the life-altering consequences of being denied abortion care. This race to take away people’s rights is dangerous and dystopian — and we will do everything we can to stop it. The impacts of pushing abortion out of reach would fall disproportionately on the same people who have always faced systemic barriers to care: Nebraskans of color, LGBTQ+ Nebraskans, undocumented Nebraskans, young Nebraskans, Nebraskans living in rural communities, Nebraskans with disabilities and Nebraskans with low incomes. All Nebraskans must remain free to make the right decisions for themselves and their families. Now, more than ever, is the time to contact your state senator and demand they respect our reproductive rights.” – Scout Richters, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Nebraska legal and policy counsel
“We understand the impacts of this decision and will continue to work alongside community and our partners to ensure abortion care is safe, legal and accessible in Nebraska. This point in time seems uncertain, scary and traumatic — and we make space for how those who are most impacted are navigating this decision. We remain firm that we deserve to decide and our health care choices, which include abortion, do not belong with government or politicians.” – Ashlei Spivey, I Be Black Girl founder and director
“Nebraskans need to know abortion remains safe and legal in our state, and Planned Parenthood’s doors are open. Elections have consequences, and we are now living through an unprecedented moment in which our fundamental rights are being eviscerated. Every person deserves the right to control their own body. We know this, and so do the majority of Americans and Nebraskans who support abortion rights. We as Nebraskans are stronger together, and we will get through this challenge together. Now is the time to march, mobilize, organize, text, call, write, shout — do everything possible to keep abortion safe and legal in Nebraska.” – Andi Curry Grubb, Planned Parenthood North Central States state executive director, Nebraska
"Everyone deserves the right to decide if, when and how to start a family—including all Nebraskans. Each of us should be free to live our lives with dignity and to make the decisions that are best for our lives, families and communities. Collectively, we will continue to reject further medically unnecessary restrictions to abortion that only stand in the way of pregnant people and the care they need.” – Jo Giles, Women’s Fund of Omaha executive director
“We are heartbroken and so incredibly angry. Angry for what this means for patients, for how this will disproportionately affect BIPOC communities, rural communities and people with low incomes; for what this means for our loved ones, for our lives and futures. In Nebraska, we will keep helping people access abortion no matter what. We will keep fighting alongside our partners to make sure patients can receive equitable abortion care in our state. We will continue to cover procedures, pay for travel, arrange trips, and help people navigate and remove the tremendous barriers that already exist and will only get worse. We are never going away, no matter what happens and no matter what’s next in Nebraska. We will continue to ‘aid and abet abortion’ proudly and without hesitation.” – Chelsea Souder, founder and director of Nebraska Abortion Resources (NEAR)
