Nebraska voters approve amendment to enshrine 12-week abortion ban in state constitution

Nebraska voters have approved an amendment to enshrine the state's 12-week abortion ban in the constitution. The anti-abortion measure, Initiative 434, passed with 55% support, defeating a competing measure that sought to protect abortion access until about 24 weeks. The amendment allows abortions only after the first trimester in cases of sexual assault, incest, or medical emergencies. This marks the first time since the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade that competing abortion measures appeared on a state ballot. The anti-abortion campaign faced criticism for allegedly misleading voters about the measures. Despite the controversy, the amendment is set to take effect later this month, codifying existing law without significant changes.