LINCOLN- 2,360 abortions were reported in Nebraska last year, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

The number is similar to the year prior, and suggests that the number of women seeking abortive care was moderating despite the pandemic. Still, the numbers follow a national trend of increasing abortions during the pandemic.

Women in their early 20s who say birth control or contraceptives either failed or weren't used are the main group seeking abortions according to the report.

While many other Republican-led states have already taken action to restrict abortions in their states, Nebraska is in a minority that has taken a slower approach. Abortions are still available in Iowa and Kansas as well, but both states are making moves to further restrict the procedure.

Andi Curry Grubb, Planned Parenthood’s Nebraska Executive Director said, “There is no paid family leave in Nebraska. There is very limited access to Medicaid. People who are pregnant can get Medicaid for 60 days, and that's nothing when you're in the wake of having a child – particularly if you've had a C section or if you've had any complications.”

The Nebraska Family Alliance disagreed. Nate Grasz, the Alliance’s policy director, said the state is already in a good position to accept more births and more new parents, if the legislature eventually bans abortions.

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