The ACLU has filed the first legal challenge over a recently signed bill that combines a new abortion ban with restrictions on gender-related care for transgender youth.
The ACLU is representing Planned Parenthood of the Heartland and Dr. Sarah Traxler in the case. Traxler is the chief medical officer for Planned Parenthood North Central States and a doctor who provides abortion services.
At the heart of the lawsuit is language from the Nebraska constitution that states no bill shall contain more than one subject. The groups are seeking a court order blocking enforcement of the new restrictions, which were combined in LB 574. The ACLU says they want them declared unconstitutional on the basis that they pertain to two distinct subjects.
Governor Jim Pillen signed LB 574 into law on May 22. In addition to its request for a permanent injunction, the lawsuit also asks for preliminary injunctive relief to block enforcement of the restrictions while litigation is pending.
The Nebraska Attorney General’s Office will have 30 days to respond to the lawsuit after being served. The judge hearing the case may take action on the request for a preliminary injunction at any point.