In a bold move to safeguard reproductive rights, Nebraska’s abortion rights advocates are gearing up for a significant campaign: placing abortion protections on the 2024 state ballot. Spearheaded by the coalition ‘Protect Our Rights’, which unites powerhouse organizations like Planned Parenthood North Central States, ACLU of Nebraska, I Be Black Girl, and the Women’s Fund of Omaha, this initiative marks a crucial step in the ongoing battle for bodily autonomy.
Ashlei Spivey, an executive committee member of Protect Our Rights, highlighted the coalition’s commitment to reflecting Nebraskan values and medical expertise. “We’re focusing on what Nebraskans truly want – ensuring that people seeking abortion can do so with dignity, compassion, and privacy, away from the clutches of political meddling,” Spivey stated.
Currently, Nebraska’s stringent abortion laws, including a twelve-week ban and mandatory 24-hour waiting period post-counseling, reflect a challenging landscape for reproductive rights. Despite a failed attempt to impose a near-total ban in 2022, advocates remain vigilant, aware of the potential for future legislative attacks on abortion access.
This proactive move in Nebraska is part of a larger national trend following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022. With abortion rights being rolled back or severely restricted in many states, advocates across the country are increasingly turning to state ballot initiatives. The recent victory in Ohio, where voters decisively supported a constitutional amendment for abortion rights, has given further impetus to these efforts.
Looking ahead to 2024, besides Nebraska, other states like Maryland, New York, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Missouri, Nevada, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Washington are in various stages of preparing similar ballot initiatives.
The support for abortion rights in Nebraska, a traditionally Republican stronghold, challenges the narrative that reproductive rights are purely a partisan issue. Advocates are gearing up to connect with communities across Nebraska, aiming to gather 125,000 signatures in 36 counties by next summer to secure the initiative’s place on the ballot.
“We’re not just hopeful, we’re energized,” Spivey added, underscoring the coalition’s commitment and confidence in this grassroots effort. As the fight for reproductive rights continues across the United States, Nebraska’s campaign is a testament to the resilience and determination of advocates working to ensure that choice remains in the hands of the people.
