Lincoln, Nebraska - A legislative interim study hearing pursuant to Legislative Resolution 238 (LR 238) will be held tomorrow, Thursday, October 16 at 1:30PM at the Nebraska State Capitol in Room 1524, before the Health and Human Services Committee. The purpose is to “determine the quality of patient services at abortion clinics in Nebraska and the nature and quality of state oversight of those clinics.”  

Matt Heffron, Senior Counsel for Thomas More Society, will testify regarding his detailed complaint submitted to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The complaint alleges multiple, serious violations of Nebraska law by Bellevue Health and Emergency Clinic, also known as the Carhart abortion clinic, in Bellevue, NE. Despite the gravity and specificity of the allegations, DHHS has refused to act or even participate in this hearing.

“For too long, Carhart’s Bellevue abortion clinic has skirted the law while DHHS turns a blind eye,” said Heffron. “We submitted a meticulous, evidence-rich complaint detailing numerous serious violations. DHHS did next to nothing about any of them.”

“Thanks to Senator Holdcroft’s leadership, Resolution 238 promises to examine compliance, ethical standards, physician qualifications, and oversight. It is deeply unfortunate that the DHHS has refused even to engage, making it even more important that we bring these issues into the public forum,” Heffron added. “This hearing is essential to force accountability. Nebraska is a proud pro-life state. Laws protecting life must mean something.”

WHEN: Thursday, October 16 at 1:30PM CT following four hearings scheduled.

WHERE: Nebraska State Capitol, Room 1524

Live streaming link: https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/series-media/legislative-hearing-video/standalone-video-15926/health-and-human-services-committee-room-1525-50028695/