Refusal to Provide Medical Services
ABORTION REFUSAL CLAUSE
Nebraska allows certain individuals or entities to refuse to provide abortion services.
To whom does the refusal clause apply? Individuals, hospitals, institutions, or other facilities.
What does the refusal clause allow? No person may be required to participate in abortion services. The refusal of a person to participate may not be a basis for civil liability or discrimination. A person who has been discriminated against because of a refusal to participate may bring an action for damages, injunctive relief, costs, and attorneys' fees.
No hospital, institution, or other facility may be required to admit a woman for the purpose of providing abortion care or to allow the provision of abortion services. The refusal of a hospital, institution, or facility to provide abortion services may not be a basis for a cause of action.
Does the law require the refusing entity to notify the persons affected? Yes. A hospital, institution, or facility must inform the woman of its policy not to participate.
Are there circumstances under which a refusal clause may not be exercised? No.
Does the law require the refusing individual or entity to provide medically and factually accurate information or provide a referral for abortion services? No.
Does the law provide a mechanism for women to otherwise obtain specific reproductive-health services, information, or referrals if an individual and/or entity exercises a refusal clause? No.
Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 28-337 to -341 (Enacted 1977).
