Harrisburg, Pa., Mar 9, 2018 / 10:30 am
The states of Utah and Pennsylvania are considering legislation that would ban abortions solely due to a prenatal Down syndrome diagnosis, in an effort to protect babies with disabilities from discrimination.
In Pennsylvania, it is currently legal for a pregnant woman to obtain an abortion until 24 weeks gestation, unless the decision for an abortion is based solely on the baby's gender.
House Bill 2050 and Senate Bill 1050, which are being introduced in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, aim to make Down syndrome selective abortions illegal in the state.
"Sadly, many physicians and counselors still push families touched by Down syndrome toward abortion instead of giving their children a chance at a happy life," said Sen. Scott Martin (R-Lancaster), the bill's sponsor.