Marjorie Dannenfelser - President, Susan B. Anthony Pro Life America | Official website

Nebraska’s law protecting unborn babies in the second and third trimesters has been upheld as constitutional by the state Supreme Court. The decision, issued this morning, ensures that the 12-week abortion ban will remain in effect.

Data from Nebraska’s Health and Human Services Department revealed a significant impact of the law on abortion statistics for 2023. There was a 9% overall decrease in abortions and a notable 69% drop in abortions performed after 12 weeks. Governor Jim Pillen signed the 12-week pro-life bill into law in May 2023, which took immediate effect.

Adam Schwend, Western Regional Director of SBA Pro-Life America, expressed approval of the court's ruling: "This decision is a victory for Nebraska’s unborn children and their mothers who will continue to be protected from second- and third-trimester abortions. Our state saw a massive drop in late-term abortions last year thanks to the Let Them Grow Act. We must continue to guard this protection that prevents abortions of babies who can feel pain and stand firm against the abortion industry’s attempts to roll back the progress we have made in the greatest human rights struggle of our time."

The developmental milestones at 12 weeks’ gestation are significant. By this stage, all major organs have formed, babies suck their thumbs, show hand preferences, develop prominent facial features such as nose, cheeks, eyes, and ears; teeth are developing; and their bodies respond to touch. For more detailed information on fetal development at this stage, see Charlotte Lozier Institute’s “12 Facts at 12 Weeks.”

A poll conducted in 2023 indicated that 72% of Nebraskans oppose unlimited abortion.