Bill 119 s 205, also known as the "Down Syndrome Discrimination by Abortion Prohibition Act," is a proposed piece of legislation that 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.
The bill seeks to address the issue of selective abortion based on a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome, which is a genetic condition that causes intellectual disabilities and developmental delays. Supporters of the bill argue that such discrimination is unethical and discriminatory towards individuals with Down syndrome, as it devalues their lives and perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
If passed, the bill would make it illegal for healthcare providers to perform an abortion solely because the fetus has been diagnosed with Down syndrome. Violators of the law could face criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
Opponents of the bill argue that it infringes on a woman's right to choose and interferes with the doctor-patient relationship. They believe that decisions about abortion should be left to the individual and their healthcare provider, without government interference.
Overall, Bill 119 s 205 is a controversial piece of legislation that raises important ethical and legal questions about the rights of individuals with disabilities and the limits of reproductive freedom. It will be interesting to see how lawmakers navigate these complex issues as they consider the bill's passage.