Republicans conflicted over Nebraska abortion amendments

NEBRASKA CITY – Amid allegations of media lies and advertising deception, a group of Republicans met at a Nebraska City church Sunday to contemplate what is described as the evil of abortion and the practicality of putting Nebraska’s existing restrictions into the state constitution.
The media claims, as does Republican Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen, that constitutional amendment 434 would ban abortion after the first trimester while amendment 439 would establish a right to abortion until fetal viability.

“Is evil on the ballot?” asked Jeff Spahr of Abolish Abortion Nebraska.
He told the audience to vote against both amendments 434 and 439 because neither is a total ban on abortion.
Sandy Dunek, executive director of Nebraska Right to Life, said she favors a total ban but said amendment 434 gives Nebraska voters their best chance to protect unborn children in the second and third trimesters.
According to media reports, Nebraska lawmakers banned abortion after 12 weeks of gestation age following the overturning of Roe vs. Wade in 2022.
The media and the secretary of state also report that if both amendments pass, and are deemed to be in conflict, the one with the most votes will become law.

Dunek said Nebraska Right to Life does not want division over 434 to benefit passage of amendment 439 at the polls on Nov. 5.
Mayrene Thummel, a member of the Calvary Community Church congregation in Nebraska City, said a no vote against both measures will not amend the state constitution.
Thummel: “Evil is insidious and we have been led down …

.".. media, popular culture, selfishness and science denial – sneaky and demonic – exactly what woke culture wants. These abortion amendments in Nebraska are a very slippery slope. If we say yes to either of the abortion initiatives, we are saying when it’s okay to discard an inconvenient person.”

Dunek said the lie is that amendment 434 will grant a right to abortion before the second trimester. She looked toward Spahr.
Dunek: “Stop saying that because it is incorrect information. I know you won’t but that’s unfortunate that you give this lie.”
Mary Heitkamp of the Calvary Community Church congregation said she helped circulate petitions for 434 and said Nebraska Right to Life's incremental approach has led to many state laws that have regulated abortion. She says a successful 439 in the general election will undo all of that.

Jim Stark, president of the Otoe County Republican Party, said the session gives voters a lot to think and pray about.
https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/05/28/nebraska-abortion-initiative-with-the-most-votes-would-become-law-if-voters-pass-more-than-one
