Nebraska Faces Historic Abortion Battles on Election Ballot
- Nebraska voters will encounter multiple petition-initiated measures on the ballot, including two significant abortion initiatives.
- Initiative 434 seeks to establish a 12-week abortion ban, while Initiative 439 aims to secure the right to abortion until viability.
- The election is expected to influence future policies on abortion and medical marijuana in Nebraska.
On November 5, 2024, Nebraska voters will face a record number of petition-initiated measures on their ballots. Among these are two competing proposals related to abortion rights, a notable development since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Initiative 434 seeks to enshrine a 12-week abortion ban approved by the state legislature in 2023, while Initiative 439 aims to guarantee abortion rights up to viability, a standard recognized under Roe. The two measures are expected to drive high voter turnout, especially with a contested presidential race. Support for the 12-week ban comes from wealthy individuals, including Republican Senator Pete Ricketts, who has significantly funded the initiative, whereas the proposal to protect abortion rights has backing from various advocacy and medical groups, including Planned Parenthood. Apart from the abortion measures, voters will also consider initiatives legalizing medical marijuana and a referendum on a conservative-backed law regarding funding for private school tuition. These additional measures reflect ongoing political and social debates within the state. As Nebraska participates in these key issues, the outcomes could have lasting implications for women's reproductive rights and drug policy in the state, reflecting a broader national conversation on these contentious topics.