(Lincoln, NE) -- The Nebraska Unicameral advances the so-called 'Heartbeat Act' to a second round of debate.
The bill advanced on a 33-16 vote on Wednesday, reaching the 33 vote threshold needed to survive a filibuster attempt. Current Nebraska law allows for elective abortions up to 20 weeks, the 'Heartbeat Act' would ban abortions in the state after fetal cardiac activity is detected, usually around six weeks of pregnancy.
The proposed bill includes exceptions for incest, rape or if the life of the mother is in danger. The bill also includes civil penalties for those performing abortions, but not criminal charges. Doctors who perform abortions past the six week mark, or without performing an ultrasound to find a heartbeat, would lose their medical license under the bill.
The bill now goes under review before being scheduled for a second round of debate.