Several Pro-Life Bills Introduced in Legislature

Details: 28 January 2011

On Jan. 5, the Nebraska Legislature opened the first session of its one hundred and second Legislature. Each new Legislature begins in the odd-numbered years with a long session (90 legislative days) and is completed in the even-numbered years with a short session (60 legislative days).

This year, along with its hefty budget and redistricting work, the Legislature will consider several pro-life bills. One of these bills is LB 521 introduced by Sen. Tony Fulton.

LB 521would prohibit so-called "web cam" abortions being practiced in Iowa by Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, which also operates abortion facilities in Omaha and Lincoln. This practice allows Planned Parenthood to do chemical (RU 486) abortions in more remote communities without the physical presence of a physician.

The way this practice works is that the pregnant mother interacts with the physician through an internet video (or "web cam") connection. When the interaction is complete, the physician uses the "mouse" on his/her computer to remotely open a drawer containing a dosage of RU 486. The pregnant mother then ingests the first drug which begins the abortion process and takes home the second drug to be ingested later to complete the abortion.

Another subject being addressed is a ban on abortion coverage in insurance plans included in new "state exchanges" established by the federal health care bill. Sen. Annette Dubas introduced LB 132 to accomplish this purpose. Sen. Beau McCoy also introduced a bill, LB 22, which would ban abortion coverage in these "state exchanges" and in private insurance plans, except when purchased through a separate rider.

Freshman senator Lydia Brasch (from Bancroft) has introduced LB 690 to require parental consent before a minor child can get an abortion. Since 1991, Nebraska has had a parental notification requirement before minors can obtain an abortion. In 1992, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a parental consent law in Pennsylvania and since then a couple dozen more states have enacted similar legislation. Taking on a controversial subject like abortion is daunting for even veteran senators. Consequently, Sen. Brasch deserves significant credit for stepping up to the plate right after getting into the "game."

Second-term Senator Pete Pirsch has also stepped up to the plate by introducing LB 461. This bill would protect the right of health care professionals and institutions to refuse to perform or in any way engage in the practice of abortion based on moral or religious grounds.

Thankfully, the number of health care professionals and institutions willing to participate in the evil practice of abortion is dwindling. Ironically, the "pro-choice" crowd doesn’t like the trend and is trying to force individuals and institutions to embrace abortion, thus necessitating bills like LB 461.

I was amazed and thrilled that the pro-life movement was able to get two pro-life bills introduced and enacted last year. Getting to address four different pro-life concerns this year with bills introduced by five senators is incredible and hopeful.

Those wanting to stay informed as these bills wind their way through our legislative process have at least a couple of options. One is to get on my mailing and/or e-mail list by contacting my office at 402-477-7517. I will provide occasional updates and action alerts on this legislation.

The other option is to access the Legislature’s website at www.nebraskalegislature.gov. This website is an excellent tool for staying current and connected to what the Legislature is doing. On this site you can read the text of bills, check on their status, watch committee hearings and floor debate, and access your senator’s contact information.