State of Nebraska Archives: on Abortion


Jim Pillen: I am proudly pro-life, life begins at conception

I am proudly prolife. I believe life begins at conception and that Nebraska should advance a culture of life and protect the unborn. I am committed to protecting Nebraska's most vulnerable. I oppose taxpayer money funding organizations that commit abortions, and support adoption options for mothers and families in crisis.
Source: 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial campaign website JimPillen.com May 12, 2022

Theresa Thibodeau: As a child, prayed with my parents outside abortion clinics

Life begins at conception. I not only believe in protecting our unborn, I have lived it my entire life. Beginning as a child, praying with my parents outside of Omaha abortion clinics, watching my father save countless lives as a sidewalk counselor and volunteering for Essential Pregnancy Services from childhood into adulthood. Nebraska is a Pro-Life state, and we are watching the most pro-life generation grow up right before our eyes.
Source: 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial website TheresaForGovernor.com Feb 27, 2022

Chuck Herbster: Protect innocent life from conception to natural death

Protect innocent life from conception to natural death.
Source: 2021 NE Governor campaign website HerbsterForNebraska.com Nov 17, 2021

Carol Blood: It's not appropriate to make our bodies political

[On abortion]: "It's not appropriate to make our bodies political," she said. "I've yet to see any bills that pertain to men and their reproductive rights. This is a sensitive issue because it has been made into a wedge issue and used as a marketing tool to give or take away support of good candidates. We need leadership that will find a balance and help to educate Nebraskans on what tools should be made accessible to help women from having to even make any hard decisions such as abortion."
Source: The Gateway (UNO) on 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial race Sep 23, 2021

Chuck Herbster: Protect innocent life from conception to natural death

Nebraska is home to the greatest farms, small businesses and people in the world. To keep the good life great, we must come together and tackle some of the most difficult issues of our time: Protect innocent life from conception to natural death.
Source: 2021 Governor campaign website HerbsterForNebraska.com Jun 7, 2021

Peter Ricketts: Nebraska is pro-life; my budget is pro-life

As I have noted before, Nebraska is a pro-life state. My budget contains the pro-life budget language approved by the body last year. I look forward to working with all of you this session as we represent pro-life Nebraska and look for new ways to support expecting mothers and our unborn children.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Nebraska legislature Jan 15, 2019

Peter Ricketts: Signed providing commemorative certificates for miscarriages

LB1040: Provide for commemorative certificates of nonviable birth.

Legislative Summary: LB 1040 provides the option to request a commemorative, state-issued certificate of nonviable birth for miscarriages that occur before the twentieth week of gestation during a pregnancy that has been verified by a healthcare practitioner.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 44-1-4 on Apr/11/2018; Senator Carol Blood voted YES; Signed by Governor Pete Ricketts on Apr/18/18.

Source: Nebraska Legislature voting records LB1040 Apr 18, 2018

Bob Krist: Opposed commemorative certificates for miscarriages

LB1040: Provide for commemorative certificates of nonviable birth.

Legislative Summary: LB 1040 provides the option to request a commemorative, state-issued certificate of nonviable birth for miscarriages that occur before the twentieth week of gestation during a pregnancy that has been verified by a healthcare practitioner.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 44-1-4 on Apr/11/2018; Senator Bob Krist voted NO; Signed by Governor Pete Ricketts on Apr/18/18.

Source: Nebraska Legislature voting records LB1040 Apr 11, 2018

Carol Blood: Provide for commemorative certificates for miscarriages

LB1040: Provide for commemorative certificates of nonviable birth.

Legislative Summary: LB 1040 provides the option to request a commemorative, state-issued certificate of nonviable birth for miscarriages that occur before the twentieth week of gestation during a pregnancy that has been verified by a healthcare practitioner.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 44-1-4 on Apr/11/2018; Senator Carol Blood voted YES; Signed by Governor Pete Ricketts on Apr/18/18.

Source: Nebraska Legislature voting records LB1040 Apr 11, 2018

Theresa Thibodeau: Provide for commemorative certificates for miscarriages

LB1040: Provide for commemorative certificates of nonviable birth.

Legislative Summary: LB 1040 provides the option to request a commemorative, state-issued certificate of nonviable birth for miscarriages that occur before the twentieth week of gestation during a pregnancy that has been verified by a healthcare practitioner.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 44-1-4 on Apr/11/2018; Senator Theresa Thibodeau voted YES; Signed by Governor Pete Ricketts on Apr/18/18.

Source: Nebraska Legislature voting records LB1040 Apr 11, 2018

Bob Krist: I oppose abortion rights but otherwise would run as Democrat

Krist said he considered running as a Democrat, which potentially would have come with the organizational structure and funding help he will now have to assemble from the ground up. But he said he could not align himself with the party's support for abortion rights.
Source: Omaha World Herald on 2018 Nebraska gubernatorial race Nov 1, 2017

Don Bacon: Life starts at conception

Q: Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?

Bacon: I believe life starts at conception, and that we're all made in God's image and fearfully and wonderfully made. I do believe in the principle of "double effect" meaning that we should do everything possible to save the life of the mother and preborn child. Sometimes in an effort to save the mother the preborn child cannot be saved.

Source: 2016 AFA Action iVoterGuide on Nebraska House race Nov 8, 2016

Don Bacon: Support the 5-month abortion ban

I'm 100% pro-life, endorsed by Nebraska Right to Life, and committed to support policies that protect the unborn and build a culture of life across our nation and the world. There are practical policy positions that members of both parties can find consensus on. I strongly support the 5-month abortion ban and prohibiting abortion when a fetus feels pain. I support the defunding of Planned Parenthood and I strongly oppose our tax dollars going towards abortions or to abortion providers.
Source: 2016 Nebraska House campaign website DonBacon2016.com Nov 8, 2016

Peter Ricketts: Life begins at conception

PRO-LIFE ADVOCATE: Pete believes that life begins at conception and will serve as an unwavering advocate for the unborn.
Source: 2014 Nebraska Governor campaign website, PeteRicketts.com Nov 4, 2014

Ben Sasse: Stop taxpayer funding of Planned Parenthood

Stop forced taxpayer funding of abortion: When President Obama was selling ObamaCare in 2009, one of the many false promises he made was that taxpayers would not be forced to pay for abortions under the law. But now, for the first time in American history, Uncle Sam is in the abortion business. The law contains a loophole that is forcing taxpayers to pay for ending innocent life. The law must be fully repealed, but in the meantime, that loophole must be closed.

Stop government donations to Planned Parenthood: As the largest abortion provider in America, Planned Parenthood receives over $300 million dollars per year in federal funding. It is wrong that people of faith should be required to subsidize the killing of unborn children by Planned Parenthood. At a time when our national debt surpasses $17 trillion, the federal government has no business giving handouts to the abortion industry.

Source: Vote-USA.org on 2020 Nebraska Senate race Oct 24, 2014

Shane Osborn: Human life begins at conception

Question topic: Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.

Osborn: Strongly Agree

Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Nebraska Senate race Jul 2, 2014

Dave Domina: Women should search their soul before deciding on abortion

Dave Domina said the Affordable Care Act should be fixed, not repealed, women must "search their soul" and get scientific information before making a decision about abortion.
Source: NebraskaWatchdog.org on 2014 Nebraska Senate race Jan 21, 2014

Ben Sasse: Defend the sanctity of life

Life begins at conception and ends at natural death. We must speak for those who cannot speak for themselves and defend the sanctity of life. Ben believes that we have made tremendous progress in the pro life movement, but that even one abortion is too many.
Source: 2014 Senate campaign website, SasseForNebraska.com, "Issues" Nov 14, 2013

Bob Kerrey: Government should stay out of abortion decision

KERREY: I trust women to make that decision. It's a difficult decision. There are a lot better ways to reduce the number of abortions than to regulate women. I think the government should stay out of it.

FISCHER: I am pro-life and I believe in the sanctity of life. I do believe there should be an exception for the life of the mother.

Source: 2012 Nebraska Senate debate excerpts Sep 28, 2012

Bob Kerrey: Trust women rather than regulating half the population

On abortion, Kerrey said, "I trust women to make that decision." He said it makes no sense to call for the deregulation of business and the regulation of the half of the population who are women.

"I am pro-life," Fischer declared. She said the only exception she approves of is the life of the mother. She did not include exceptions for incest or rape. Fischer distanced herself from Missouri's Todd Akin's controversial comments about women's bodies being able to reject pregnancy as a result of rape.

Source: Grand Island Independent on 2012 Nebraska Senate debate Sep 28, 2012

Deb Fischer: I believe in the sanctity of life

KERREY: I trust women to make that decision. It's a difficult decision. There are a lot better ways to reduce the number of abortions than to regulate women. I think the government should stay out of it.

FISCHER: I am pro-life and I believe in the sanctity of life. I do believe there should be an exception for the life of the mother.

Source: 2012 Nebraska Senate debate excerpts Sep 28, 2012

Deb Fischer: Exception for life of mother but not incest nor rape

On abortion, Kerrey said, "I trust women to make that decision."

"I am pro-life," Fischer declared. She said the only exception she approves of is the life of the mother. She did not include exceptions for incest or rape. Fischer distanced herself from Missouri Senate candidate Todd Akin's controversial comments about women's bodies being able to reject pregnancy as a result of rape.

Source: Grand Island Independent on 2012 Nebraska Senate debate Sep 28, 2012

Deb Fischer: Look at the record: Opposes abortion

Following a question from a debate panelist asking each candidate to describe what weaknesses of the other two candidates that could be exploited by the Kerrey campaign during the general election campaign, Fischer declined to name any weaknesses she sees in her opponents and instead touted her own record as a state lawmaker who has supported tax relief and opposed abortion.
Source: AP in The Republic on 2012 Nebraska Senate debates May 1, 2012

Dave Heineman: Signs informed consent Legislation

LB 594 and LB 1103 represent important legislation for Nebraska. LB 594 updates Nebraska's informed consent law to help ensure any patient seeking an abortion is doing so voluntarily. It adds provisions to state statute to ensure physicians and medical providers take into account potential risk factors, as well as any potential for physical or mental complications. The bill also outlines a civil process that will be available to any woman who feels she was not properly informed of those risks.
Source: 2010 Nebraska Gubernatorial press release Apr 13, 2010

Steven Larrick: No government control over a woman’s body

Source: Nebraska Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test Jun 25, 2008

Steven Larrick: Supports embryonic stem cell research

Q: Do you support federal funding for research on existing embryonic stem cell lines?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support federal funding to create lines of stem cells from new embryos?

A: Yes.

Source: Nebraska Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test Jun 25, 2008

Mike Johanns: No new embryonic stem cell lines, but existing research ok

Q: Do you support federal funding for research on existing embryonic stem cell lines?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support federal funding to create lines of stem cells from new embryos?

A: No. While I do not support research on new embryonic stem cell lines, I support President Bush’s policy to limit research on existing embryonic stem cell lines because it prevents the destruction of new embryos for the purpose of federally funded research.

Source: Nebraska Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test Jun 3, 2008

Mike Johanns: Partial-birth abortion is a barbaric practice

I ask the Legislature to make a bold commitment to honor the life of the unborn. I, like many in our state, was saddened by the US Supreme Court decision striking down Nebraska’s law banning partial-birth abortion. My review of this decision tells me that until there is a change on the Court, there is no meaningful hope of ending this barbaric practice.

However, we are not powerless in this area, I ask you to strengthen parental notification by sending legislation introduced by Senator Quandahl to my desk for signature. And in every way possible, I ask you to help me promote adoption as an alternative to abortion. In addition, I repeat my commitment to sign into law a ban on the use of fetal cells in research that are derived from elective abortion. I also ask you to pass fetal homicide legislation for my signature as other states have done.

Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Nebraska Legislature Jan 11, 2001

  • The above quotations are from State of Nebraska Politicians: Archives.
  • Click here for definitions & background information on Abortion.
  • Click here for other issues (main summary page).
2020 Presidential contenders on Abortion:
  Democrats running for President:
Sen.Michael Bennet (D-CO)
V.P.Joe Biden (D-DE)
Mayor Mike Bloomberg (I-NYC)
Gov.Steve Bullock (D-MT)
Mayor Pete Buttigieg (D-IN)
Sen.Cory Booker (D-NJ)
Secy.Julian Castro (D-TX)
Gov.Lincoln Chafee (L-RI)
Rep.John Delaney (D-MD)
Rep.Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI)
Sen.Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
Gov.Deval Patrick (D-MA)
Sen.Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
CEO Tom Steyer (D-CA)
Sen.Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
Marianne Williamson (D-CA)
CEO Andrew Yang (D-NY)

2020 Third Party Candidates:
Rep.Justin Amash (L-MI)
CEO Don Blankenship (C-WV)
Gov.Lincoln Chafee (L-RI)
Howie Hawkins (G-NY)
Gov.Gary Johnson(L-NM)
Howard Schultz(I-WA)
Gov.Jesse Ventura (I-MN)
Republicans running for President:
Sen.Ted Cruz(R-TX)
Gov.Larry Hogan (R-MD)
Gov.John Kasich(R-OH)
V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN)
Gov.Mark Sanford (R-SC)
Pres.Donald Trump(R-NY)
Rep.Joe Walsh (R-IL)
Gov.Bill Weld(R-MA & L-NY)

2020 Withdrawn Democratic Candidates:
Sen.Stacey Abrams (D-GA)
Mayor Bill de Blasio (D-NYC)
Sen.Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
Sen.Mike Gravel (D-AK)
Sen.Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Gov.John Hickenlooper (D-CO)
Gov.Jay Inslee (D-WA)
Mayor Wayne Messam (D-FL)
Rep.Seth Moulton (D-MA)
Rep.Beto O`Rourke (D-TX)
Rep.Tim Ryan (D-CA)
Adm.Joe Sestak (D-PA)
Rep.Eric Swalwell (D-CA)
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Page last updated: May 30, 2022