Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen called today a “bold step” as he signed an executive order that would direct the Department of Health and Human Services to immediately review whether abortion providers terminated from Medicaid in other states are part of Nebraska’s Medicaid program. “We as taxpayers should not be funding abortion services, period,” Pillen said. View Thursday’s press conference in the video below.Pillen mentioned states like South Carolina and specifically named Planned Parenthood.Under the executive order, any provider, including abortion clinics, terminated from other states’ Medicaid enrollment would be terminated from Medicaid in Nebraska. Planned Parenthood North Central States blasted the order, calling Pillen’s action a “publicity stunt” meant to “confuse Nebraskans.””Nebraskans need birth control. They need cancer screenings. They need wellness exams,” Ruth Richardson, CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States, said. “And, yes, they need abortion care. Planned Parenthood is proud to provide this essential quality health care to everyone who turns to us, no matter their insurance status. Planned Parenthood is an irreplaceable medical provider.”But Pillen says even one dollar of Medicaid money to clinics that provide or encourage abortion is too much.”That’s program integrity,” Pillen said. “We’re not going to let any abortion providers skirt accountability while claiming our money.”He called it the culture of “life and love” being built in Nebraska. “Nebraska has ample resources for women who need health care services,” Pillen said as he referenced 12 clinics in Omaha, four in Lincoln, and more across the state. Planned Parenthood North Central States said those can’t replace their clinics.“Instead of focusing on improving access to vital sexual and reproductive health care for Nebraskans, the governor is misdirecting his constituents towards unlicensed facilities that do not adhere to medical safety standards and do not provide evidence-based comprehensive care,” Richardson said.State Sen. Ashlei Spivey said this order couldn’t have come at a worse time.”We are in a maternal health crisis in Nebraska,” Spivey said. “It’s unfortunate at a time when we are seeing very high, especially in Nebraska, maternity and primary care deserts, that the executive branch will look at cutting funding to a provider that is providing all types of reproductive care and wellbeing.”Pillen’s office said Medicaid payments to abortion providers for non-abortion services in Nebraska totaled $172,164.11 in FY 2024 and $341,972.18 in FY 2025.”It’s a great day for Nebraska families,” Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers said. “It’s a great day for Nebraska taxpayers, and most importantly, it’s a great day for Nebraska unborn babies. Today is a culmination of work to ensure Nebraska taxpayers no longer have their tax dollars going to fund abortions.” Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |

LINCOLN, Neb. —

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen called today a “bold step” as he signed an executive order that would direct the Department of Health and Human Services to immediately review whether abortion providers terminated from Medicaid in other states are part of Nebraska’s Medicaid program.

“We as taxpayers should not be funding abortion services, period,” Pillen said.

View Thursday’s press conference in the video below.

Pillen mentioned states like South Carolina and specifically named Planned Parenthood.

Under the executive order, any provider, including abortion clinics, terminated from other states’ Medicaid enrollment would be terminated from Medicaid in Nebraska.

Planned Parenthood North Central States blasted the order, calling Pillen’s action a “publicity stunt” meant to “confuse Nebraskans.”

“Nebraskans need birth control. They need cancer screenings. They need wellness exams,” Ruth Richardson, CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States, said. “And, yes, they need abortion care. Planned Parenthood is proud to provide this essential quality health care to everyone who turns to us, no matter their insurance status. Planned Parenthood is an irreplaceable medical provider.”

But Pillen says even one dollar of Medicaid money to clinics that provide or encourage abortion is too much.

“That’s program integrity,” Pillen said. “We’re not going to let any abortion providers skirt accountability while claiming our money.”

He called it the culture of “life and love” being built in Nebraska.

“Nebraska has ample resources for women who need health care services,” Pillen said as he referenced 12 clinics in Omaha, four in Lincoln, and more across the state.

Planned Parenthood North Central States said those can’t replace their clinics.

“Instead of focusing on improving access to vital sexual and reproductive health care for Nebraskans, the governor is misdirecting his constituents towards unlicensed facilities that do not adhere to medical safety standards and do not provide evidence-based comprehensive care,” Richardson said.

State Sen. Ashlei Spivey said this order couldn’t have come at a worse time.

“We are in a maternal health crisis in Nebraska,” Spivey said. “It’s unfortunate at a time when we are seeing very high, especially in Nebraska, maternity and primary care deserts, that the executive branch will look at cutting funding to a provider that is providing all types of reproductive care and wellbeing.”

Pillen’s office said Medicaid payments to abortion providers for non-abortion services in Nebraska totaled $172,164.11 in FY 2024 and $341,972.18 in FY 2025.

“It’s a great day for Nebraska families,” Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers said. “It’s a great day for Nebraska taxpayers, and most importantly, it’s a great day for Nebraska unborn babies. Today is a culmination of work to ensure Nebraska taxpayers no longer have their tax dollars going to fund abortions.”

Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.

NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |