The Nebraska Supreme Court has upheld the state’s new law that combines a stricter abortion ban with limitations on gender-affirming care for minors. Planned Parenthood and ACLU Nebraska sought an injunction against the law, arguing that it has made it difficult for women seeking abortion care to receive assistance. However, the court rejected their request, disappointing the plaintiffs. They still hope that the courts will rule in their favor. The lawsuit is centered around the argument that the law violates the state’s constitutional requirement that bills must only address one subject. Opponents claim that the law combines unrelated topics, such as the abortion ban and anti-trans legislation. Supporters, including Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, argue that both aspects of the law deal with healthcare for young people and therefore share a common subject. In August, a district judge sided with the defenders of the law and dismissed the lawsuit challenging the abortion ban. The plaintiffs have appealed and are awaiting a hearing date before the state Supreme Court. The court’s decision to keep the abortion ban in effect clears the way for separate legal challenges against the limitations on gender-affirming care for trans young people, which are set to go into effect in October. The Attorney General’s Office has not yet commented on the court’s action.
