LINCOLN — Abortion opponents and supporters of reproductive rights filled a State Capitol hearing room Thursday to voice often emotional opinions about three bills that would either ban or further restrict abortion rights.

The proposals come as the U.S. Supreme Court appears poised to strike down Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 decision that allowed pregnant women the right to choose whether to end or continue a pregnancy.

LB933, the Nebraska Human Life Protection Act. The legislation would ban abortion in the state if Roe v. Wade is overturned, enabling legislation is passed by Congress, or if the U.S. Constitution is amended

LB781, the Heartbeat Bill. Introduced by Sterling Sen. Julie Slama, it has 22 cosponsors. It has not been prioritized, which means it may not be debated this year.

LB1086, the Chemical Abortion Safety Protocol Act. It was introduced by Lincoln Sen. Suzanne Geist and five cosponsors. Kearney Sen. John Lowe has made it his priority bill.

The so-called “trigger” bill was introduced by State Sens. Joni Albrecht of Thurston and Mike Flood of Norfolk. It was picked by the Speaker of the Legislature, Lincoln Sen. Mike Hilgers, as his priority bill. Fifteen other senators have signed on as co-sponsors of LB 933. Opponents said LB 933 would force many women either to obtain expensive abortions out of state or bear children they may not be emotionally or financially able to care for. LB 781 would block an abortion if a fetal heartbeat could be detected by an ultrasound, which Slama said begins six weeks after conception. LB1086 would ban the mailing of chemical abortion pills, which account for 70% of the abortions in the state, according to Geist.

Opponents said the measures would force many women either to obtain expensive abortions out of state or bear children they may not be emotionally or financially able to care for. The committee took no action on the three bills after a hearing that continued into the evening.

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