For immediate release: 

Friday, May 29, 2009

For more information:

Derrick Jones, (202) 626-8825                                                                                                                mediarelations@nrlc.org

NEBRASKA BREAKS NEW GROUND WITH ULTRASOUND BILL
‘One of the strongest’ in the nation; Governor will sign

WASHINGTON – In an overwhelming 40-5 vote (and 3 not voting), the Nebraska legislature today passed one of the nation’s strongest bills requiring that an abortionist display a real-time ultrasound of a mother’s unborn child prior to performing an abortion.  Governor Dave Heineman has pledged to sign the bill into law.

“Ultrasound technology has made tremendous advancements and provides a window to the womb that allows mothers to see their unborn children in real time,” said Mary Spaulding Balch, J.D., National Right to Life State Legislative Director.  “It is absolutely vital that a woman, at this most crucial life-and-death juncture be provided, all the information possible about the abortion procedure and the development of her unborn child.  Simply put, the abortion decision cannot be undone.  Women deserve all the facts.”

What makes the Nebraska legislation stronger than that of other states is the requirement that the abortionist display the ultrasound image thus enabling the mother to easily look at the screen, if she so chooses, rather than having to request that the image be displayed. 

The legislation is based on model legislation drafted by National Right to Life’s State Legislation Department.  Both National Right to Life State Legislation Director Mary Spaulding Balch, J.D. and Nebraska Right to Life Executive Director Julie Schmit-Albin worked closely with senators throughout the spring legislative session to ensure that the final bill would provide valuable information to women about the development of their unborn children.

“Our thanks go to Sen. Tony Fulton (R-Lincoln) for his efforts in shepherding this bill through the Nebraska legislature,” Balch added.  “His hard work and dedication to mothers and their unborn children, as well as the tremendous efforts and leadership of Nebraska Right to Life, are to be commended.” 

The full text of the Nebraska legislation is available at: http://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Final/LB675.pdf

“We will continue to work and urge other states to pass similar legislation that seeks to protect mothers and their unborn children,” Balch stated.

The National Right to Life Committee is the nation’s largest pro-life group with affiliates in all 50 states and over 3,000 local chapters nationwide.  National Right to Life works through legislation and education to protect those threatened by abortion, infanticide, euthanasia and assisted suicide.