By Maria V. Gallagher, Legislative Director
The Pennsylvania Senate has approved the Down Syndrome Protection Act, House Bill 321, by a vote of 27-22.
The bill bans abortion for the sole reason of a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome. The PA House previously passed the measure by an overwhelming, bipartisan margin.
The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk.
Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill noted it was appropriate to consider the bill on National Child Day, calling it a common sense piece of legislation.
Speaking to people with Down syndrome, the Senator said, “We believe you have the right to be born and the right to enjoy a full and productive life.”
Another of the bill’s supporters, Senator Scott Martin said, “Disability rights begin in the womb.”
The bill is a response to the sky-high abortion rate for babies with Down syndrome. It has been estimated that the vast majority of children in the womb who are diagnosed with an extra chromosome are aborted.