Abortion is on the ballot in many parts of the United States next month. But only in Nebraska must voters decipher two contradictory propositions, amid bitter claims of trickery and deception by both sides.

If both ballot measures are approved, it would be the first time a law from 1912 is tested. Ten states will have measures seeking to expand or restrict access to abortion on their ballots in November.

Hearings take place on competing abortion ballot measures 434 and 439 at the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024.

Nebraska’s dueling ballot initiatives on abortion had separate hearings Tuesday at the Capitol, with the testimony largely echoing the campaign fight between the sponsors. Advocates for additional abortion restrictions spoke in support of Initiative 434,