The ACLU of Nebraska filed a federal civil rights lawsuit on Friday seeking emergency action on behalf of a woman at the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women. They claim state government officials are blocking the woman from accessing abortion care.
The lawsuit (download here) argues the officials’ policy violates the woman’s constitutional right to access abortion. It seeks an emergency order allowing the woman immediate access to a local healthcare provider so she can receive abortion care.
ACLU of Nebraska Legal and Policy Counsel Scout Richters said the actions of state officials risk the woman’s health and violate her rights and dignity.
“State officials are barring a woman from getting an abortion and forcing her to remain pregnant against her will. It’s wrong and it’s unlawful,” Richters said. “All of us, including our client, have the right to make our own decision about whether and when to become a parent. We’re taking this to court to ensure she can get the care she needs as soon as possible and to make sure officials never again show such blatant disregard for the people in their custody and care.”