ELECTION 2024: Omaha faith leaders take stance in against abortion ban
For the first time since Roe v. Wade was overturned, two competing abortion measures are on a state’s ballot.
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - From pastors to rabbis, bishops to deacons, faith leaders were the focal point Monday when it comes to abortion initiatives on the November ballot.
There are two competing abortion initiatives for voters this election. Nebraska is the only state to have opposing measures on the same ballot since the Supreme Court overturned Roe. v Wade.
The 2024 Nebraska ballot has one measure which protects the right to abortion until fetal viability: Initiative 439. Then there’s one that mirrors the current law of a 12-week ban with exceptions, and it writes it into the constitution: Initiative 434.
Anti-abortion measures are often championed by faith-based groups, but several in Omaha are pushing for the opposite by gathering to express their support for Initiative 439.
“[Initiative 434] disrespects the fundamental freedoms we are entitled as children of God. The very liberties my religious ancestors found and died for,” said Rev. E. Scott Jones with First Central Congregational Church.
Temple Israel’s Rabbi Deana Berezin said an abortion ban goes against their beliefs.
“A fetus represents potential life and cannot and must not supersede the life of a pregnant person,” she said. “Jewish people will continue to be unable to freely exercise our religious beliefs.”
In opposition, anti-abortion groups lined Dodge Street in response to the faith leaders Monday. 6 News reached out to the Nebraska Catholic Conference, which stands squarely opposed to the other Omaha-based faith leaders who gathered Monday.
“It doesn’t take any particular religious view or no religious view. It’s common sense that Initiative 439 is extreme,” said executive director Tom Venzor. “It’s going to hurt women; it’s going to hurt babies in our state. So anyone can oppose it.”
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