Nebraska lawmakers pass controversial abortion and transgender bills while shielding sick colleague.

Nebraska lawmakers passed a controversial bill restricting abortion and transgender healthcare with the help of a sick colleague who had just gotten out of hospital. Julie Slama, a state GOP senator, confirmed that she had been receiving treatment for hyperemesis gravidarium, but made it to the statehouse in time to cast a decisive vote. The bill bans abortion after 12 weeks of pregnancy and all gender transition healthcare for trans people under the age of 19. The bill had faced a months-long filibuster by progressive senators that had brought Nebraska’s unicameral legislature practically to a standstill.