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In the United States today, some of the most controversial issues in politics are abortion and gender reassignment surgeries. The latter is notably an issue of contention when it comes to minors undergoing these procedures. Abortion returned back to the limelight after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade nearly one year ago. Meanwhile, the issue of gender reassignment surgery has emerged amid growing reports of children (who haven't even fully developed yet) undergoing these surgeries. Various states are ultimately determining the appropriate measures and laws to put in place. In the case of Nebraska, the state has drawn some very clear boundaries when it comes to legal access to both abortion and gender reassignment surgery.

A closer look at the state's mandates

Last week, the Nebraska state legislature passed bills to prohibit gender reassignment surgeries for anyone who is younger than 19 years old. Likewise, Nebraska's cut-off period for abortion stands at 12 weeks, per new legislation approved by the state's House and Senate. 19-years-old also stands as not only the bar for gender reassignment surgeries, but also for hormones and puberty blockers designed to change which gender someone presents as. Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen is already on record confirming that he'll give the legislation the necessary signature it needs to become law. It is Pillen's view that children should be able to learn, grow, and come into who they are. Likewise, the Nebraska GOP governor feels it is not fair for kids to make life-changing, permanent decisions before they can fully comprehend the gravity of what they're choosing.

Partisan pushback

Unsuprisingly, these new measures passed in Nebraska are attracting criticism from left-wing detractors. Democrats argue that GOP Nebraska lawmakers aim to trample individuals' medical freedoms and deny them the ability to make choices about their futures. The issues of abortion and gender reassignment surgeries are ones where Republicans and Democrats continue to clash with one another. Thus far, there is no sign of a middle ground being reached. Likewise, it appears that each state's decisions on these issues will be largely determined by which party controls the state House, Senate, and governor's office.