A Nebraska lawmaker would like to see more regulations and physician follow-ups when it comes to chemically induced abortions.State Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue introduced LB 512 on Tuesday.Physicians in Nebraska currently have to examine the woman in person before prescribing abortion medications."They're just, you know, prescribing the pill and getting out of town," Holdcroft said. "Typically, they fly in a doctor just for a few days a week, and then that doctor is gone, and if something happens within the next 48 hours, well then they're the only alternatives to go the emergency room," Holdcroft said.LB 512 would require the doctor to schedule a follow-up visit after three days and within two weeks of a person taking the drugs. The physician must confirm the pregnancy is completely terminated and assess the woman's health. "This would require them to have a follow-up before and make sure everything is going according to what's expected," Holdcroft said.But Adelle Burk, senior manager of public affairs of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Nebraska, said the measure would place unnecessary restrictions on over 80% of the abortions done in the state."For more than 20 years, medication abortion has been a safe, effective, FDA-approved method for people to end a pregnancy in the comfort of their own homes. There is absolutely no medical reason behind the restrictions included in LB 512," Burk said.She said a second in-person visit would heavily impact women, especially those who live in rural areas, by doubling the cost of travel, childcare and time off work needed to access care."This bill is part of a broader effort by lawmakers who want to outlaw abortion to restrict it to the point it's no longer accessible. We are here to say, 'Not today. Not on our watch,'" Burk said.Holdcroft said his goal is to improve the health care of women seeking abortions."I'm looking out for women's health," Holdcroft said.NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |
A Nebraska lawmaker would like to see more regulations and physician follow-ups when it comes to chemically induced abortions.
State Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue introduced LB 512 on Tuesday.
Physicians in Nebraska currently have to examine the woman in person before prescribing abortion medications.
"They're just, you know, prescribing the pill and getting out of town," Holdcroft said.
"Typically, they fly in a doctor just for a few days a week, and then that doctor is gone, and if something happens within the next 48 hours, well then they're the only alternatives to go the emergency room," Holdcroft said.
LB 512 would require the doctor to schedule a follow-up visit after three days and within two weeks of a person taking the drugs. The physician must confirm the pregnancy is completely terminated and assess the woman's health.
"This would require them to have a follow-up before and make sure everything is going according to what's expected," Holdcroft said.
But Adelle Burk, senior manager of public affairs of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Nebraska, said the measure would place unnecessary restrictions on over 80% of the abortions done in the state.
"For more than 20 years, medication abortion has been a safe, effective, FDA-approved method for people to end a pregnancy in the comfort of their own homes. There is absolutely no medical reason behind the restrictions included in LB 512," Burk said.
She said a second in-person visit would heavily impact women, especially those who live in rural areas, by doubling the cost of travel, childcare and time off work needed to access care.
"This bill is part of a broader effort by lawmakers who want to outlaw abortion to restrict it to the point it's no longer accessible. We are here to say, 'Not today. Not on our watch,'" Burk said.
Holdcroft said his goal is to improve the health care of women seeking abortions.