LINCOLN- On Monday, after months of continued debate and filibuster, Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen signed LB574 into law, which, after having an amendment added onto it, will restrict abortion 12 weeks post-gestation, as well as prohibit youth under 19 from receiving gender-affirming care. Gov. Pillen signed the bill alongside members of his family, as well as a large coalition of Republican senators and one Democrat.

An emergency clause in the bill will enact the abortion ban immediately, while restrictions on gender-affirming care for individuals under 19 won't take effect until October 1st. "All children deserve a chance to grow and live happy, fruitful lives," said Pillen during the signing of the bill, "This includes pre-born boys and girls, and it includes children struggling with their gender identity." LB574 launched the Nebraska Legislature into unprecedented turmoil this session, with the bill very narrowly surviving four contentious rounds of debate on the floor.

Those filibusters appear poised to continue through the next year. Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh, who led this year's months-long filibuster, promised after the body passed LB574 last Friday to "burn down" the next 60-day session as well. Sen. Hansen's amendment, which was attached to the bill last week, is believed to be far more radical than previous attempts at compromise, since it prohibits abortion based on gestational periods rather than fertilization, meaning it actually cuts off closer to 10 weeks.

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