Nebraska Abortion Laws in 2026: What You Need to Know
If you’re pregnant and considering abortion in Nebraska, you may have questions about how far along you can be, what information you should receive before an abortion, whether you need an ultrasound, and what rights you have before you consent.
Nebraska law includes requirements designed to ensure that consent to an abortion is voluntary and informed. Here are some of the most important things to know about Nebraska abortion law in 2026.
How late can you get an abortion in Nebraska in 2026?
Nebraska law generally prohibits a physician from performing an abortion if the probable gestational age of the pregnancy has been determined to be 12 weeks or more.
Nebraska law defines gestational age as the age of the pregnancy calculated from the first day of your last menstrual period.
There are exceptions to the 12-week restriction in cases of:
- A medical emergency
- Pregnancy resulting from sexual assault
- Pregnancy resulting from incest
Before performing an abortion, the physician must determine the gestational age using standard medical practice and document the method and results.
What information must you receive before an abortion in Nebraska?
Except in an emergency situation, Nebraska law requires certain information to be provided at least 24 hours before an abortion.
You must be told:
- The particular medical risks associated with the abortion procedure that will be used
- The probable gestational age of the pregnancy at the time the abortion will be performed
- The medical risks associated with continuing the pregnancy
- That you cannot be forced or required by anyone to have an abortion and are free to withhold or withdraw your consent
- Information required by Nebraska law concerning mifepristone
You must also be informed of:
- The name of the physician who will perform the abortion
- The possible availability of medical assistance benefits for prenatal care, childbirth and newborn care
- The father’s legal responsibility to assist in supporting his child, even if he has offered to pay for the abortion
- Your right to review certain materials provided by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
- Your right to request a state-compiled list of ultrasound providers, including providers that offer ultrasounds free of charge
Can anyone pressure or force you to have an abortion?
No one can force or require you to have an abortion. Nebraska law specifically requires that you be informed that you are free to withhold or withdraw your consent.
Nebraska law also requires an evaluation at least one hour before an abortion to identify whether you feel pressured or coerced into seeking or consenting to the abortion.
Your decision must be voluntary and informed.
Can you get a free ultrasound before an abortion?
Yes. Free ultrasounds are available from some providers.
Nebraska law requires that you be informed of your right to request a comprehensive list compiled by Nebraska DHHS of health care providers, facilities and clinics that provide ultrasounds. That list must identify the locations that offer ultrasounds free of charge.
If you request the list, the physician who will perform the abortion, the referring physician or their agent must provide it to you.
Nebraska DHHS also makes its list of ultrasound providers available online.
Free Ultrasound at Assure
If you are in the Omaha area, you can come to Assure Women’s Center for a free pre-abortion screening and limited OB ultrasound when appropriate.
An ultrasound can provide important information about your pregnancy, including information that can help determine how far along you may be.
There is no cost for Assure’s services.
Do you have to have an ultrasound before an abortion in Nebraska?
Nebraska’s informed-consent statute does not say that every woman must have an ultrasound before an abortion.
However, if an ultrasound is used before an abortion, Nebraska law establishes requirements for how it must be performed.
The ultrasound must be performed at least one hour before the abortion. The images must be displayed so that you have the opportunity to see them.
If you ask questions about the ultrasound image, your questions must be answered.
You can also request a detailed medical description of what is visible on the ultrasound, including measurements and the presence of cardiac activity, if present and viewable.
Will you be screened for abortion risk factors?
Nebraska law requires an evaluation at least one hour before the abortion for certain risk factors associated with abortion.
The results of that evaluation must be provided in writing to you and to the physician who will perform the abortion.
If risk factors are identified, you must be informed about the complications associated with those identified risk factors and any quantifiable risk rates when relevant data exists.
Do you have to sign anything before an abortion?
Nebraska law requires written certification before an abortion confirming that certain required information has been provided to you.
The physician performing the abortion or the physician’s agent must receive a copy of the certification before the abortion and retain it in your medical record.
What if you aren’t sure how far along you are?
You don’t have to wait until an abortion appointment to learn more about your pregnancy.
Assure Women’s Center offers free pre-abortion screenings and limited OB ultrasounds when appropriate. An ultrasound may provide information that helps estimate how far along your pregnancy is.
Knowing more about your pregnancy can help you understand what options may apply to your situation and what questions you may want to ask.
What should you know before making an abortion decision?
If you’re considering abortion in Nebraska, remember:
- Nebraska generally prohibits abortion when the probable gestational age has been determined to be 12 weeks or more, with certain exceptions.
- You must receive certain information at least 24 hours before an abortion, except in an emergency situation.
- No one can force or require you to have an abortion.
- You can withhold or withdraw your consent.
- You can request Nebraska’s list of ultrasound providers, including those offering ultrasounds free of charge.
- If an ultrasound is performed before the abortion, you can choose whether or not to view the images.
- You can ask questions and request information before you consent.
Want more information about your pregnancy?
If you think you may be pregnant or are considering abortion, Assure is a place to start.
We offer free pregnancy testing, pre-abortion screening and limited OB ultrasound when appropriate so you can learn more about your pregnancy and ask questions before deciding what comes next.
No cost. No pressure. No judgment. Just a clear next step.
Sources
Nebraska Revised Statute § 28-327 — Voluntary and informed consent requirements
Nebraska Revised Statutes §§ 71-6914 and 71-6915 — Gestational age and abortion restrictions
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services — Informed Consent for Abortion
This article reflects Nebraska law as reviewed in October 2026 and is provided for general educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Laws and court decisions can change. Consult current Nebraska statutes or a qualified legal professional for legal advice regarding your specific situation.
