LINCOLN, Neb. – As the U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments in what’s being called the most important abortion rights case in decades, local groups are encouraging Nebraskans to learn more and to take action to protect abortion access in Nebraska.
The ACLU of Nebraska, I Be Black Girl, Planned Parenthood North Central States and the Women’s Fund of Omaha are partnering on the effort.
Throughout the day, the organizations will share social media content with supporters, including public education about abortion access in Nebraska and opportunities for action focused on the Nebraska Legislature. A livestream featuring State Senator Megan Hunt and local advocates is set for 3 P.M. on the ACLU of Nebraska’s Facebook and YouTube accounts. People in Lincoln and Omaha will also be able to pick up postcards focused on reproductive rights at participating local businesses so they can write to state senators.
Abortion is legal in Nebraska, although patients in need of the procedure still face significant barriers. While the outcome of any Supreme Court determination will likely not immediately impact access to care in Nebraska, the Guttmacher Institute lists it as one of 26 states that are certain or likely to attempt to completely ban abortion if justices do not uphold the constitutional right to abortion established in Roe v. Wade and nearly 50 years of related precedent.
Quotes for Media Use:
“The outcome of the cases before the Supreme Court are significant for access to abortion care across the country, but it's important to be clear that abortion is legal in Nebraska and it would take state legislation to pass additional restrictions in Nebraska. Leading medical associations and the majority of Nebraskans support access to abortion and today’s hearing should serve as a call to action that it’s up to all of us to protect reproductive freedom and ensure abortion is accessible for Nebraskans who need it. That’s why we are calling on the Nebraska Legislature to remember abortion is health care and abortion is a right.” – Scout Richters, ACLU of Nebraska legal and policy counsel
“This is about our reproductive freedom. We deserve to make the best decisions about our healthcare without the interference of the government limiting our access and choices. So at this time, we demand our public officials honor the best interests of their constituents and ensure we do not ban abortions in Nebraska.” – Ashlei Spivey, I Be Black Girl founder and director
“Nebraskans need barrier-free access to affordable health care, comprehensive sex education and birth control. We cannot allow more restrictions to pass that stand in the way of the care that women and pregnant people need.” – Tiffany Seibert Joekel, Women’s Fund of Omaha research and policy director
Abortion remains legal today in the United States and Nebraska, and Planned Parenthood is proud to provide these services in our state—however, we are in a new era. A vocal minority are peddling abortion bans and restrictions, while most people—including medical professionals—support the right to safe, legal abortion and believe these decisions are best left between a person and their doctor without interference from politicians.” – Andi Curry Grubb, Planned Parenthood North Central States state executive director, Nebraska
