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Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act
4/1/2025, 11:25 AM
Summary of Bill HR 2251
Bill 119 HR 2251, also known as the "Down Syndrome Discrimination by Abortion Prohibition Act," aims to amend title 18 of the United States Code to prohibit discrimination by abortion against an unborn child on the basis of Down syndrome. This means that it would be illegal for a woman to seek an abortion solely because the fetus has been diagnosed with Down syndrome.
The bill seeks to protect unborn children with Down syndrome from being targeted for abortion simply because of their genetic condition. Supporters of the bill argue that this type of discrimination is unethical and goes against the principles of equality and respect for all individuals, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.
Opponents of the bill, however, argue that it infringes on a woman's right to choose what happens to her own body and her own pregnancy. They believe that women should have the right to make decisions about their own reproductive health without government interference. Overall, the bill raises important ethical and legal questions about the rights of unborn children with disabilities and the rights of women to make decisions about their own bodies. It will be interesting to see how this bill progresses through Congress and what impact it may have on the ongoing debate surrounding abortion rights and disability rights in the United States.
The bill seeks to protect unborn children with Down syndrome from being targeted for abortion simply because of their genetic condition. Supporters of the bill argue that this type of discrimination is unethical and goes against the principles of equality and respect for all individuals, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.
Opponents of the bill, however, argue that it infringes on a woman's right to choose what happens to her own body and her own pregnancy. They believe that women should have the right to make decisions about their own reproductive health without government interference. Overall, the bill raises important ethical and legal questions about the rights of unborn children with disabilities and the rights of women to make decisions about their own bodies. It will be interesting to see how this bill progresses through Congress and what impact it may have on the ongoing debate surrounding abortion rights and disability rights in the United States.
Congressional Summary of HR 2251
Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act
This bill creates new federal crimes related to the performance of an abortion on an unborn child who has Down syndrome.
It subjects a violator to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to five years, or both.
It also authorizes civil remedies, including damages and injunctive relief.
A woman who undergoes such an abortion may not be prosecuted or held civilly liable.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill HR 2251
Bill HR 2251 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 21, 2025. Bill HR 2251 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on March 21, 2025. Bill HR 2251's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. as of March 21, 2025
Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 2251
Total Number of Sponsors
1Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
1Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
0Democrat Cosponsors
0Republican Cosponsors
0Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 2251
Primary Policy Focus
Crime and Law EnforcementAlternate Title(s) of Bill HR 2251
To amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit discrimination by abortion against an unborn child on the basis of Down syndrome.
To amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit discrimination by abortion against an unborn child on the basis of Down syndrome.
Comments
Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 2251
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