The Right to Abortion Initiative
The object statement on the circulating petition was: “The object of this petition is to amend the Nebraska Constitution to provide all persons the fundamental right to abortion without interference from the state or its political subdivisions until fetal viability, which is the point in pregnancy when, in the professional judgment of the patient's health care practitioner, there is a significant likelihood of the fetus' sustained survival outside the uterus without the application of extraordinary medical measures; or when needed to protect the life or health of the pregnant patient.”
The measure would amend Article I of the Nebraska Constitution to add a new section providing a right to abortion until fetal viability, which is defined as "the point in pregnancy when, in the professional judgment of the patient's treating health care practitioner, there is a significant likelihood of the fetus' sustained survival outside of the uterus without the application of extraordinary medical measures."
How It Impacts Survivors
The Protect the Right to Abortion Constitutional Initiative would extend Nebraskans’ right to abortion from 12 weeks to 24 weeks of pregnancy. Both sexual and domestic violence can lead to unintended and unwanted pregnancies, and this amendment would allow them more time to make a safe and informed decision.
Survivors of domestic violence may experience reproductive coercion that can lead to unintended pregnancy. In these situations, abusers may tamper with or destroy birth control, prevent accessing to contraceptives, manipulate their partner into becoming pregnant, or force their partner to continue a pregnancy. Individuals who experience birth control sabotage are twice as likely to experience an unintended pregnancy [1].
Forcing someone to carry a pregnancy after violence can worsen their trauma and put their health at serious risk. Pregnancy is a particularly dangerous time for people in domestic violence situations, where abusers may use the pregnancy to further manipulate and exert power over survivors. Homicide is the leading cause of death for pregnant women in the U.S. [2].
Survivors often need extra time to recognize a pregnancy and make decisions due to the intense trauma they have experienced. They might require counseling, support, or time to safely escape their abusers. Financial and geographic barriers can also delay access to care.
Giving survivors more time to access legal abortion care helps ensure they can make safe, informed decisions without risking further harm. Voting “yes” to the amendment is a vote to protect their well-being and autonomy.
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