A Utah lawmaker is proposing a ban on abortions performed after a fetal diagnosis of Down syndrome.
The proposed law is modeled after similar bans that have passed in Ohio, North Dakota and Indiana. It would make it a misdemeanor for a doctor to perform an abortion knowing that a pregnant woman is seeking one because her fetus received a diagnosis of Down syndrome.
Rep. Karianne Lisbonee, R-Clearfield, is the bill’s sponsor.
“It is a eugenic-like eradication that is happening with greater frequency worldwide, including, sadly, right here in Utah,” she said during a public unveiling of the bill in the basement of the Utah Capitol.
Lisonbee said these types of abortions are a form of discrimination. Amber Merkley, a West Valley mother whose son, Finn, has Down syndrome, spoke in support of the legislation.
"I think that we need to take a stand, which is why I support it," she said. “I think that we’re perfectly willing to legislate discrimination, but we hesitate to do it for them."
Heather Stringfellow, vice president of public policy for Planned Parenthood Association of Utah, expressed skepticism of the bill's intentions.
“We realize that House Bill 205 is really about restricting access to abortion, not about protecting those with Down syndrome," she said. “The decision to terminate a pregnancy is a deeply personal and sometimes complex decision that should be left to a woman in consultation with her family, her faith and her health care provider.”
Lisbonbee debuted the bill on the first day of the session, which coincided with the 45th anniversary of Roe V. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court decision protecting a woman’s right to abortion.
The Legislature’s own lawyers say the measure could be found unconstitutional in court. The bill’s backers said they welcome a legal fight.
