In Nebraska and Missouri, legal battles loom over abortion rights ballot measures

Legal challenges are threatening abortion rights ballot measures in both Nebraska and Missouri. A Missouri judge recently ruled against a proposed measure that aimed to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution. In Nebraska, two conflicting abortion petitions are facing legal hurdles ahead of the looming certification deadlines.

Legal Setbacks in Missouri

In Missouri, the proposed measure aimed to enshrine the right to an abortion in the state's constitution, prohibiting any government interference related to the procedure. However, Judge Christopher Limbaugh ruled against the measure, agreeing with a lawsuit that alleged the petition violated state law by failing to provide voters with a list of Missouri laws that would be repealed should it pass. This ruling poses a significant setback for the organizers behind the ballot measure, who are now hoping to appeal the decision in front of the state Supreme Court to stop an injunction. However, the appeal is set to take place on the same day as the deadline for ballot changes, creating a race against time for the proponents of the measure.

The ruling has sparked strong reactions from the campaign organizers, who argue that it undermines the rights of the 380,000 voters who signed the petition, demanding a voice on this critical issue. Abortion is currently illegal in Missouri, except in cases related to the life and health of the mother.

Nebraska's Conflicting Ballot Measures

In Nebraska, the situation is equally contentious, with two conflicting abortion petitions vying for a place on the ballot. One measure seeks to establish a fundamental right to an abortion until fetal viability, while the other proposes to prohibit abortion in the second and third trimester, with limited exceptions. The latter measure is facing legal challenges, as its opponents argue that it does not meet the single-subject requirement.

The Nebraska Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the lawsuits, with the deadline to certify ballots in the state approaching on September 13. The legal battles in Nebraska reflect the contentious nature of the abortion debate in the state, and the outcome will be closely watched as the November elections draw nearer.