Abortion in Nebraska faces equal punishment as MIP

Abortion is a heated issue in relation to ethics, culture, and religion. Nebraska’s legislature approves of abortion in several grounds.

Women in Nebraska (whether or not she has reached the age of majority) may undergo abortion of pregnancy without the consent of parents by declaring victimization of abuse, sexual abuse, or child abuse or neglect. The abuse may have occurred months before deciding abortion (possibly leading to partial-birth abortion), and this declaration may be given to an agent performing the abortion. The physician or agent solely informs the pregnant woman to notify the proper authorities, even though the physicians can continue with abortion procedures without lawful record of the abuse mentioned.

According to Priestsforlife.org, “America will not reject abortion until America sees abortion.”

An abortion is performed when physical, psychological, or emotional complications affect the pregnant woman.  This decision falls on the hands of physician’s “good faith” or if pregnancy endangers the life of the woman.

On the first session of the 102^nd Legislature, two bills presented remarks contradicting levels of violations. According to LB690, a physician or any person who performs abortion with reckless disregard is guilty of a Class III Misdemeanor (up to three month imprisonment and/or up to $500 fine). A parent who forces a minor to have an abortion is also liable of the same Class III Misdemeanor.

In addition,(according to LB521) when the abortion is induced by any drugs, the physician or person acting on behalf of the physician who is not identified by name under the patient’s medical records is subject to a ‘Class I Misdemeanor’ (not more than one year imprisonment, or one thousand dollars fine, or both).

According to Nebraska law, a ‘Minor In Possession’ (MIP) of alcohol is guilty of a Class III Misdemeanor. Therefore, a minor who is in possession or consumption of an alcoholic beverage faces the same charges as any person or physician who recklessly and unjustifiably kills an unborn child.

A minor charged with MIP faces court, probation, and treatment fees (if required by court). Nebraska does have systems that provide treatment for alcohol and substance abuse. However, there are not known entities that treat doctors (or any person running underground abortion clinics) in abortion malpractices.

Ultimately, an ethical dilemma originates. Should MIP violations be decriminalized? Or should reckless abortion be penalized with more severity? Either way, this, is an issue so sensitive to many that some people think abortion should be illegal under any circumstances due to everyone’s “right to life.”