The proposed bill amends Nebraska's abortion laws with a focus on enhancing the requirements for voluntary and informed consent prior to an abortion. It emphasizes the legislative intent to protect unborn life and the necessity for accurate statistical data on maternal health. Key changes include the elimination of certain defined terms and the introduction of new language that underscores the importance of ensuring women are not coerced into seeking abortions. The bill mandates that women be informed about potential risks associated with abortion, the gestational age of the unborn child, and the availability of medical assistance for prenatal care. Additionally, healthcare providers are required to assess whether a woman feels pressured into having an abortion and to inquire about any history of domestic violence or human trafficking, providing resources if such circumstances are disclosed.

Further amendments include the requirement for specific questions related to risk factors associated with abortion to be asked of the pregnant woman, along with providing contact information for national hotlines regarding domestic violence and human trafficking. The physician performing the abortion must retain a copy of the written evaluation results in the woman's permanent record, and the woman must certify in writing that she has received all necessary information prior to the procedure. The bill also introduces new legal language concerning civil liability, establishing a rebuttable presumption of professional negligence for violations of certain provisions and clarifying that any waiver of the evaluation and notification requirements is void and unenforceable. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the informed consent process and establish clearer legal standards and protections related to abortion procedures in Nebraska.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 28-325, 28-326, 28-327, 28-327.03, 28-327.04, 28-327.06, 28-327.11, 28-327.12, 38-2021