Voters line up to cast their ballots at Dundee Elementary School in Omaha, Neb., on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.

Bonnie Ryan/FR172075AP

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Bonnie Ryan/FR172075AP

OMAHA, Neb. — Nebraska voters chose to support the state’s 12-week abortion ban over a competing proposal to allow abortion until fetal viability, according to a call from the Associated Press.

The ballot measure banning second- and third-trimester abortions, with some exceptions, is bound by the state constitution. It also gives lawmakers the opportunity to further restrict access to abortion.

Nebraska was one of ten states where abortion was on the agenda in this election. But it was the only state where voters faced two competing proposals. While voters approved the amendment for the 12-week ban, they defeated the amendment allowing abortion to preserve fetal viability, according to the Associated Press.

As in other states, abortion rights advocates had mobilized to put the viability question on the ballot in response to the U.S. Supreme Court striking down the federal right to abortion in 2022. They argued that abortion is a private choice for pregnant people and their families — and not one for the government to make.

The opposing efforts to keep Nebraska’s 12-week ban in place — while allowing more restrictions in the future — emerged in response to the fetal viability initiative.

Its supporters argued that it would give voters a choice in voting and ensure a ‘common sense’ approach. Republican U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska and his mother, Marlene Ricketts, donated more than $5 million to the campaign.

Elizabeth Rembert reports for Nebraska Public Media.