Thu Apr 13, 2023 – 1:09 pm EDTThu Apr 13, 2023 – 2:15 pm EDT
LINCOLN (LifeSiteNews) – The Nebraska State Senate voted 33-16 Wednesday to advance a bill banning abortion once a fetal heartbeat can be detected, making good on a pledge to build on pro-life gains in last fall’s midterm elections.
LB 626, the Nebraska Heartbeat Act, requires abortionists to first test for a fetal heartbeat, which is generally detectable at six weeks, and forbids abortion if one is found, except in cases of rape, incest, or medical emergencies. Violators would be punished by loss of their medical license.
While last fall’s midterms were disappointing for many Republicans across the country, in Nebraska, lawmakers who oppose abortion expanded to a 33-seat majority in the state’s unicameral legislature, rendering pro-life legislation no longer susceptible to filibusters, which had previously stymied efforts to limit abortion to 12 weeks. Abortion is currently legal up to 20 weeks.
Tuesday’s vote advances LB 626 to a second round of debate, KETV reports, thanks to the support of 32 Republicans and one Democrat, state Sen. Mike McDonnell. It is expected to ultimately be signed into law.
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