News Channel Nebraska
It’s official, the most controversial bill in this session of the Nebraska Legislature, a move that would in effect ban abortions after six weeks, is heading to the floor for debate.
The Nebraska Heartbeat Act (LB77) was “Placed on General File” today.
State Sen. Joni Albrecht, who is pushing the legislation tells News Channel Nebraska she expects that debate to begin in the next two weeks.
The Health and Human Services Committee recently voted 4-3, along party lines, to send the measure to the full Legislature.
All four Republicans on the committee okayed the bill, all three Democrats voted no.
As part of its decision to send the measure to the floor the committee also released this statement:
“LB 626 prohibits a physician from the prescription or performance of abortion if the unborn child has a detectable fetal heartbeat unless a medical emergency exists or the unborn child was the result of sexual assault or incest. Abortion does not include ectopic pregnancy, still birth, miscarriage, accidental termination, intent to save the life of the child, or in vitro fertilization. A physician who violates this act is subject to licensing revocation under the Nebraska Uniform Credentialing Act.”
One of the three Democrats voting against the bill in committee is State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha.
NCN is told that Cavanaugh is compiling a “minority report” which will be released soon.
Opponents have promised to filibuster the bill forcing proponents to find 33 votes to send the measure to Gov. Jim Pillen, who is for the Heartbeat Act.
