Lombardo’s Actions on Abortion Stir Controversy Among Nevada Democrats

Controversy Surrounds Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo’s Stance on Reproductive Rights

“[Lombardo’s] campaign expense reports show he has been quietly supporting anti-abortion groups.” – Nevada Independent

Nevada’s political landscape has been stirred by Governor Joe Lombardo’s recent decisions on reproductive rights. At the heart of the debate is Lombardo’s veto of a bipartisan bill aimed at safeguarding infertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). The veto came shortly after anti-abortion advocates urged him to take a firm stance, placing him in a position more extreme than former President Donald Trump.

Governor Lombardo has expressed his support for a new 15-week abortion ban in the state. Additionally, he has opposed a popular ballot initiative that seeks to embed abortion rights into Nevada’s state constitution. Previously, Lombardo vetoed AB383, known as the “Right to Contraception Act,” which aimed to secure contraception rights in state law. He reiterated his position by vetoing a similar bill this session.

Most Republican lawmakers in Nevada have aligned with Lombardo’s position, opposing the same bill he vetoed that would have protected IVF treatments. During the last legislative session, GOP members unanimously voted against measures to enshrine infertility care and abortion rights in the state constitution.

Governor Lombardo’s Engagement with Anti-Abortion Groups:

Lombardo has backed a stringent 15-week abortion ban in Nevada, as noted in The Nevada Independent.

He sponsored an event for Nevada Right to Life, an anti-abortion group, and contributed $1,500 toward event fees. More details.

Governor Lombardo donated $1,700 to crisis pregnancy centers, which aim to dissuade women from seeking abortions. More information.

He removed language from the state’s Health and Human Services website that previously warned about the predatory nature of crisis pregnancy centers, which were described as “organizations that seek to intercept women considering abortion.” This change was reported by Nevada Current.

Comments from the Nevada State Democratic Party:

According to Tai Sims, spokesperson for the Nevada State Democratic Party, “Joe Lombardo is an anti-choice politician who supports a new ban on abortion and would rather cater to extreme anti-abortion groups rather than protect a woman’s right to choose, including critical infertility treatments like IVF that are often a woman’s only option for a family. Nevada Republicans have taken a more extreme stance on a woman’s right to choose than Donald Trump. They are out of step with the majority of Nevadans across the political spectrum who overwhelmingly support reproductive health freedoms.”