State of Nebraska Archives: on Abortion
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
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 The law must be fully repealed, but in the meantime, that loophole must be closed.Stop government donations to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
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
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 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
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:
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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:
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
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
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
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
Mike Flood:
I'll work to ban abortions and expand prohibitions
In 2010, he introduced and helped pass the Abortion Pain Prevention Act. The bill outlawed nearly all abortions after the first twenty weeks of pregnancy. This year, Mike is a co-sponsor of Nebraska's heartbeat abortion ban legislation, outlawing
abortion if a fetal heartbeat can be detected. He also has joined Senator Joni Albrecht in introducing a trigger law to restrict abortion access in Nebraska if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade.Life is a precious gift from God that begins
at conception. I've been a pro-life champion in the Legislature, and I'll take the same fight to Washington. In Congress, I'll work to ban abortions and expand prohibitions on taxpayer subsidies for abortion.
Our tax dollars should never be used to subsidize abortions. The federal government must respect the freedom of conscience and the dignity of human life from conception until natural death.
Source: 2022 NE-1 House campaign website MikeFloodForNebraska.com
Jul 19, 2022
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
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
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
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
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
Steven Larrick:
No government control over a woman's body
Larrick supports the following principles regarding Abortion Issues: - Abortions should always be legal.
- Larrick adds, "The government should not have control over a woman's body.
A woman, with consultation from her medical doctor should be able to make her own decisions. We need to prevent unwanted pregnancies."
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
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
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
Jim Pillen:
Nebraskans have been praying for 50 years to end abortion
Nebraska is a pro-life state. Many Nebraskans have been praying for 50 years to end abortion. This discussion has gotten too complicated and misleading. Here is what pro-life policy is NOT in Nebraska--it's NOT about preventative contraception.
It's NOT about in-vitro fertilization. It's NOT a fertility medicine discussion. It is simply about stopping what started 50 years ago--the abortion of babies growing in mother's wombs. I am fighting for the rights of every baby with a beating heart.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Nebraska legislature
Jan 25, 2023
Jim Pillen:
Launch a yearlong "Culture of Life and Love Initiative"
We defended the unborn by restricting abortions beyond 12 weeks. We will continue to embrace life here in Nebraska with the launch of a yearlong "Culture of Life and Love Initiative."
It will provide resources to expecting moms, especially those in crisis and who need support more than ever. Much work remains to be done, but this Legislature should be proud of its investments in Nebraska's future.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Nebraska legislature
Jan 18, 2024
Preston Love:
Eliminate barriers impeding access to abortion services
Reproductive Health:- Advocate for policies that ensure affordable and accessible reproductive healthcare services for all women, regardless of socioeconomic status.
- Vigorously defend and uphold the principles established in Roe v. Wade,
safeguarding a woman's right to choose.
- Work towards eliminating legal and financial barriers that impede access to safe and legal abortion services.
- Advocate for policies that improve access to quality maternal healthcare with a focus on
reducing racial and socioeconomic disparities.
- Support family planning initiatives, including access to contraceptives and family planning counseling, to empower women to plan and space pregnancies according to
their preferences.
- Strengthening and Expanding Medicaid: Mental Health Access and Awareness; Prescription Drug Price Controls; Women's Reproductive Health Rights
Source: 2024 Nebraska Senate campaign website Love4Senate.com
Mar 8, 2024
Dan Osborn:
I do not support extreme national measures to ban abortion
I do not support extreme national measures to ban abortion. While I respect the moral convictions of all Nebraskans, I believe in limited government and
I do not believe the federal government is capable of resolving this issue. Under extreme federal bans, abortion will still happen. We need to focus on the root cause: on reducing unwanted pregnancies.
Source: 2024 Nebraska Senate campaign website OsbornForSenate.com
Jul 5, 2024
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026