Is the sky REALLY falling?!

In response to the feedback on our election guide, we have put together a formal response and explanation for our position. We’re always open to additional information and insight. However, no explanation or compelling reason has been convincing enough at this time to change our position.

We are not here to condemn people for their choices. We are not God. We are only providing our position – you’re welcome to take it or leave it.

Both the Republicans, the Democrats, and the affiliated groups are screaming from the rooftops that abortion is on the line and the other side is going to doom us all. There is a lot of misinformation and fear tactics being used on both sides, and A LOT of money is being poured into both sides. Many are jumping onto their affiliated party bandwagon. In an attempt to provide clarity and our position to our members and followers, we have broken down the what and why of 434 and 439.

NAGO is taking an opposing position to initiatives 439 and 434.

Both initiatives propose amendments to the constitution. It is easy to object to 439 as it codifies the right to abortion and the prevention of government to prohibit one’s access to abortion. This initiative could potentially nullify many of the other protections against late-term and violent forms of abortion. However, while 434 is promoted as a pro life amendment, the verbiage still allows for first trimester abortions as well as a abortion following rape, incest, or that results in a threat to the life of the mother. Many argue that 434 does not codify abortion into the constitution because it doesn’t specifically state that there is a right to it in the verbiage. It’s also been stated that this amendment would still allow for greater restrictions on abortion.

It is our position that the verbiage of the initiative would allow for the interpretation that there is an implied right to access first trimester abortions.

It is our understanding that any further restrictions on abortion would potentially require further amendments to the constitution, a process that would prove more difficult than it would be currently to pass legislation at the Unicameral. In order to expand 434 it would require yet another petition and a vote by the people OR a constitutional amendment passed by the Legislature and a vote by the people – it won’t be any easier, but it might be harder than if we leave it alone.
Otherwise, we do not believe that they will be able to pass more stringent bans on abortion if 434 passes and is amended into the constitution. 

It is our belief that 434 contradicts our NE Constitution in its statement that ALL persons have the right to life and that no person shall be deprived of life.

* I-1. Statement of rights. All persons are by nature free and independent and have certain inherent and inalienable rights; among these are life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness …

&

I-3. Due process of law; equal protection. No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law, nor be denied equal protection of the laws … *

By passing 434, we will be stating in the constitution that preborn children are not part of the “all persons” already guaranteed the right to life, and we will quickly lose ground in the prolife movement.

Many of the individuals defending a yes vote for 434 likely know very little to nothing about the legislative process in Nebraska and how this would impact passing future pro life legislation at the Unicameral. Most are so quick to jump on the hot topic issue and promote the branded “Republican position” that we are leaving ourselves open to a major setback. There’s no reason to feel targeted by this statement, but do consider that the groups promoting both 434 and 439 are aware of this as well and will use it to their advantage. Not ALL information they provide is truthful.

It is important to keep in mind 434 would not save more or even the same number of babies as is currently protected via legislation. It’s actually a step backward. We currently have abortion banned after 12 weeks (sooner than 2nd trimester) with the same exceptions. So 434 does not advance us in any way, shape, or form.

439 passes only if 35% of the people casting a ballot vote “for” it, and it gets more “for”  than “against” (50% +1). In a state where only 27% of the registered voters are Democrats, and some Democrats are pro-life, it is extremely unlikely that this extreme initiative has a chance to pass.

Therefore, if you have enough yes votes for 434 to surpass the yes votes for 439, then that also means you have more no votes to 439 than yes votes to 439. Plain and simple.

Abortion initiatives that were less obvious were rejected by voters in Kansas, Kentucky, and Missouri in 2022.

At the end of the day, we should all be able to unite behind a no vote to 439. We will not condemn those who chose to vote for 434, but we do want people to have factual, unbiased information with which to make that decision.

A vote “against” 434 is not going to cause 439 to pass.

Beyond the political, beyond the will of man and promises of incremental wins, it is our sincerely held belief that the righteous thing to do is to vote no to both initiatives. While many utilize fear mongering tactics to persuade voters, our motives are pure, we simply want to do the right thing for babies, for Nebraska, and for what is pleasing to God.

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Contact: info@nago.group