The Nebraska Democratic Party accused Republican Gov. Dave Heineman on Friday of giving “lip service” to his anti-abortion views.
Vic Covalt, Democratic chairman, said he was “appalled and offended” that Heineman worked to kill a bill in the Legislature that would have restored government-funded prenatal care for some low-income pregnant women, including illegal immigrants.
Covalt said the measure’s defeat will lead to more women seeking abortions.
“Actions truly speak louder than words. Heineman has created an abortion epidemic across the state while pretending to be pro-life,” he said.
Mark Fahleson, Nebraska Republican Party chairman, said the bill was concerned with illegal immigrants and had nothing to do with abortion.
“I’m appalled and offended that the Nebraska Democratic Party supports the use of Nebraska taxpayer dollars to support the benefit of illegal immigrants,” said Fahleson.
Heineman, during a telephone press conference Friday, repeated his opposition to taxpayers funding the services.
When asked whether he would change his position if more women who couldn’t afford prenatal care chose abortion, he said, “I think that question would be better directed to the Legislature.”
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