A controversial bill introduced by Senator Merv Riepe in Nebraska could limit abortion protections for unborn babies with disabilities. The proposed legislation, referred to as a ‘clean-up bill’ by its sponsor, permits late-term abortions for babies diagnosed with a fetal anomaly. These might include the conditions trisomy 13 and trisomy 18, which have higher survival rates post-birth given the provision of proper care.
Among those opposing this bill is the Nebraska Pro-Life Coalition, which is advising senators on the Judiciary Committee to resist LB 1109. Sandy Danek, Executive Director of Nebraska Right to Life, called for equal rights and appropriate medical care for those with disabilities, regardless of their born or unborn status.
Adam Schwend, the Western Regional Director for SBA Pro-Life America, emphasized that many babies diagnosed with conditions such as trisomy 18 die from abortion rather than from their conditions. He cited studies showing an 81.5% survival rate for babies with trisomy 18 who received adequate medical care.
LB 1109 goes against Nebraska’s existing law, which protects babies from 12 weeks. The proposed legislation allows for abortions up to 22 weeks’ gestation for those diagnosed with a fetal anomaly, despite reports suggesting some diagnoses can often be incorrect.
Discussion about this post