For further information:
Jessica Rodgers, 202-626-8825, mediarelations@nrlc.org

PAIN-CAPABLE UNBORN CHILDREN PROTECTED IN NEBRASKA

WASHINGTON -- Today, the landmark Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, passed by the Nebraska Legislature last April, will take effect. The first of its kind in the United States, Nebraska's law prohibits abortion after 20 weeks gestation based on emerging scientific evidence that 20 week old children can feel pain.

"Nebraska's law sets the course for the nation," said National Right to Life Director of State Legislation Mary Spaulding Balch, J.D. "In a groundbreaking and life-affirming step by the Nebraska Legislature, 20 week old pain capable unborn children will finally be protected in law. We look forward to consideration of similar legislation in other states during the spring legislative session."

Addressing claims by opponents that unborn children cannot feel pain until nerves reach the cerebral cortex, Spaulding Balch noted, "At and after 20 weeks, unborn children have pain receptors throughout their body and nerves linking them to the brain. Continuing medical research has shown that the cortex is not essential to experience pain."

For more information, please visit www.doctorsonfetalpain.com/scientific-studies

For the full text of the law, go to http://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/AM/ER8229.pdf

"With this protective law, Nebraska has asserted their right to show a state interest in the lives of these pain capable children." Spaulding Balch said.

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.