We have reached the half-way point of session and we have just one week left of committee hearings. We will start late night debates the week of March 7th.

My bill, LB1086 creates the Chemical Abortion Safety Act. It was heard in the Judiciary Committee on Thursday evening. I introduced this bill because chemical abortions make up over 70% of all abortions in Nebraska, and currently there is no prescribed standard of care. My bill requires a physician to see the woman to establish how far along she is, check if she has a dangerous ectopic pregnancy, and check to make sure that she is not Rh negative. If she is, RhoGAM is given to prevent future miscarriages or infertility. This bill also limits the use of chemical agents to the first 7 weeks of pregnancy, as risks of complications increase substantially each week thereafter. Lastly, it sets up a much-needed reporting requirement. Currently, in Nebraska there is little to no reporting of chemical abortions, or any subsequent complications. There is also no accountability or follow up with women who have complications. LB 1086 sets up this standard of care and is a common sense solution that protects women who opt for chemical abortions.

As always, feel free to contact my office. My office phone number is 402-471-2731 and my email is sgeist@leg.ne.gov.