The fight over Nebraska’s latest abortion ban and restrictions on health care for transgender minors has moved from the floor of the Legislature to a Lancaster County Courtroom.

During a hearing today the two sides picked up where lawmakers left off, and opponents insisting the new law is unconstitutional.

[View our full video report above]

When Gov. Jim Pillen signed into law a new 12-week abortion ban and restrictions on health care for transgender minors (LB574) he set off a major legal fight.

Gov. Jim Pillen: “We’re just getting started when it comes to taking care of kids and saving babies.”

That battle heard statewide during a lawyer-filled Zoom court hearing, as opponents argued the new law is unconstitutional, that the two provisions wrapped into one bill violate Nebraska’s so-called “one-subject rule.”

Matthew Segal (Attorney for those opposed to the law): “To accurately say what this bill is about you have to say two things, you have to say that it’s about an abortion ban and you have to say its about restrictions on gender affirming care.”

Lawyers for those fighting the new law also claim that since the abortion ban went into effect women—no number was given—have been “forced to carry pregnancies” against their will.

Gov. Pillen defends the law on several fronts and downplaying concerns that doctors could be prosecuted.

NCN: If no one’s going to be criminally prosecuted why does 12 weeks make a difference?

Pillen: Because people, because women will not be able to get an abortion after 12 weeks.

NCN: What if they do?

Pillen: Well, if there’s an abortion clinic that’ll be a problem.

NCN: So, there would be criminal prosecution, potentially.

Pillen: If the doctor performing abortions, if a doctor makes a decision that it’s in the best interest of the mother to lose the baby that’s the patient-doctor relationship.

Back in court, Pillen’s lawyer insisted the law has only one subject: keeping kids safe.

Eric Fern: (NE Assistant Attorney General): “The Nebraska Legislature in its authority and within its discretion has identified individuals that they intend to protect: preborn children and children that would be subject to transgender care, all in the interest of public welfare.”

Both sides now waiting for the judge’s ruling, an appeal likely regardless of who wins.