LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska voters will face two conflicting constitutional amendments on abortion on the same ballot — what is believed to be a historic first for the state. Pro-life advocates are promoting the “Protect Women and Children” amendment, which aligns with the current law permitting abortion up to 12 weeks but allows for future pro-life measures. It restricts abortion in the second and third trimesters except in medical emergency situations or cases involving sexual assault and incest. Abortion advocates are pushing the “Protect the Right to Abortion” amendment, which supports abortion access until fetal viability or when deemed necessary for the health of the mother, without state interference. Th right-to-abortion abortion amendment mirrors similar measures in Ohio and Michigan, which pro-life advocates fear would eliminate parental consent requirements and other health protection measures from the law and potentially allow taxpayer-funded abortions. The Nebraska Catholic Conference is actively campaigning for the pro-life amendment, highlighting its role in providing constitutional protections for the unborn where none currently exist while preserving the opportunity to make progress going into the future. The NCC is alerting Catholics to the ballot measure through online resources, Catholic radio and newspapers, as well as literature, banners and prayer resources for parishes. Election Day this year is Nov. 5. (OSV News)
