Utah House passes Down syndrome abortion ban

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Utah House of Representatives has passed a proposal to ban abortions sought because a fetus has been diagnosed with Down syndrome.

The legislation approved Friday would only go into effect if a similar law is upheld in court, a provision added to address concerns that it could embroil the state in an expensive lawsuit.

Republican Rep. Karianne Lisonbee says too many fetuses with a Down syndrome diagnosis are being aborted, leaving the world without their unique contributions. People with Down syndrome and their families have spoken in favor of the measure.

Opponents say the measure it’s heavy-handed and takes complicated personal decisions out of the hands of women and their doctors.

The measure passed on a 54-15 vote and now goes to the Utah Senate.

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2 Comments

  • Warren s Pugh February 17, 2019 at 5:45 pm Reply

    It is much disconcerting to see Utah’s legislative sheep(s)
    flaunting common sense until they come to their senses
    and decide to pass this bill. In the meantime look at
    New York and Virginia’s bloody response to full term
    abortions. Oh yeah, there is a connection, and we are silent?
    Now to get these trolls to cease the ‘lock up the schools’
    syndrome, all in the name of protecting our kids. There are
    hundreds of schools in the U.S. (we’ve been there coast to
    coast) without all of these so-called safeguards designed
    to “protect our precious children”. What fodder. That is what
    Florida thought until late last summer when a 15 year old
    boy was shot while climbing aboard a bus. Then we have
    the nut who drove into a bus injuring 13 children. Watch some
    political hack recommend tank transport. Home school anyone?

    While we are at it lets get cops out of schools. I might sound
    misguided, but I am prepared to debate the issue with the
    sheriff’s office. Come to think of it ‘Access Islam’, which is being
    flaunted and taught in some American schools is more harmful
    to our culture and children.

    Bully for the legislatured supporting this bill. Common sense
    and also a message to Downs kids around us.

  • Emma March 16, 2019 at 1:19 pm Reply

    I don’t think people should be forced into having special needs kids or other kids that have issues. It’s a personal matter and others should stay out of it. No matter the circumstance a woman has the right to her own body and what she can do to it and should not be forced to be pregnant. If your gonna be upset about abortion please pay for the upbringing of all babies then, food, health & mental health care, schooling, special needs care etc. All the SNAP & Medicaid etc.

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