Rep. Estes Reintroduces the Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act

Today, on World Down Syndrome Day, Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) is reintroducing the Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act. The act federally prohibits doctors from knowingly performing an abortion because of a baby’s prenatal Down syndrome diagnosis. “All children deserve the right to life, and aborting a child based solely on their genetic condition with an additional chromosome is discriminatory,” said Rep. Estes . “We must fight for the voiceless and most vulnerable members of our society. Individuals with Down syndrome are a blessing to our communities and families, often having an exceptional quality of life – working, being a part of a family, participating in sports, and more. Yet unborn children with a Down syndrome diagnosis are facing discrimination in the womb, and it is tragically wrong.” The bill prohibits any person from coercing a woman to abort her unborn child because of a Down syndrome diagnosis. The legislation places the responsibility on the doctors who perform the abortions, not the women who receive the abortions. Violators can face a fine, imprisonment of up to five years, or both. The Joint Economic Committee estimates that 60% to 90% of unborn children diagnosed with Down syndrome are aborted in the United States, a disproportionate amount when compared to the estimated 18% of all pregnancies that end in abortion.