Nebraska Enshrines 12-Week Abortion Ban in Constitution

Nebraska voters have approved Initiative 434, enshrining the state's 12-week abortion ban into the state constitution, while rejecting Initiative 439, which sought to expand abortion access up to fetal viability. Initiative 434 received 55.3% of the vote, solidifying protections against most abortions after the first trimester, with exceptions for cases of sexual assault, incest, or medical emergencies. The outcome was celebrated by anti-abortion groups and politicians, including Gov. Jim Pillen, as a significant victory for pro-life advocates. However, abortion rights activists criticized the result, accusing opponents of misinformation and manipulation. The contentious ballot measures highlighted Nebraska as the only state this election cycle with two competing abortion initiatives, reflecting a broader national conflict following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022.