The Nebraska legislature has passed a new bill that restricts access to abortions beyond 12 weeks and imposes a ban on gender-affirming healthcare for minors. Lawmakers passed the bill on 20 May despite intense backlash from opponents who demonstrated against the bill at Nebraska’s Capitol in Lincoln. Protesters disrupted the session by shouting “shame” and throwing tampons from a balcony onto the legislative floor. The police arrested at least six protesters who were charged with various offenses.
The bill permits only the state’s chief medical officer to rule on gender therapy, applies to people under the age of 19, and bans “gender-altering” surgeries. It provides exceptions in the cases of rape, incest, or medical emergency. Governor Jim Pillen has put his support behind the bill and pledged to sign it into law despite widespread criticism of the legislation.
The bill’s passing has led to protests outside the Nebraska Capitol and arrests on various charges, including resisting arrest, trespassing, and obstructing a peace officer. Anti-censorship advocates warn that restricting gender-affirming healthcare for minors marginalizes transgender youths, placing their health at risk and limiting their ability to make informed decisions about their bodies.
Nebraska is one of many US states currently restricting access to abortion and gender-related services, with at least 17 states enacting laws restricting or banning gender-affirming medical care for minors. The passing of Nebraska’s bill came in a volatile atmosphere, with lawmakers clashing over the proposed measures. It is the first time that Nebraska has introduced an abortion ban since the Supreme Court overturned the nationwide right to the procedure last year.
Many supporters of the bill argue that it is essential to protecting young people from making irreversible decisions when they are not yet fully grown. In contrast, opponents are concerned that it marginalizes and stigmatizes transgender youths, putting their health and well-being at risk. While the bill will not take effect until October 1, opponents have promised to sue to block both measures.
The move by the Nebraska legislature is part of a growing trend among conservative lawmakers to restrict access to abortions and gender-affirming healthcare for minors across the United States. These restrictive measures threaten to erode the concept of bodily autonomy and the right to make informed decisions about one’s health. Despite wide-ranging protests and backlash from opponents, these laws continue to be enacted, leading to further marginalization and stigma of vulnerable groups.
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