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Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act
12/15/2023, 3:53 PM
Summary of Bill HR 461
Bill 118 hr 461, also known as the Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The main purpose of this bill is to prohibit medical providers from performing abortions if the sole reason for the abortion is a diagnosis of Down syndrome in the fetus.
The bill aims to protect individuals with Down syndrome from discrimination and ensure that they are given the same rights and opportunities as any other individual. It seeks to promote awareness and understanding of Down syndrome and prevent the termination of pregnancies solely based on a diagnosis of the condition.
If passed, this bill would make it illegal for medical providers to perform abortions solely because the fetus has been diagnosed with Down syndrome. It would also require that medical providers provide information and resources to parents who receive a diagnosis of Down syndrome in their unborn child, in order to help them make informed decisions about their pregnancy. Overall, the Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act is a piece of legislation that seeks to protect the rights and well-being of individuals with Down syndrome and ensure that they are not discriminated against based on their condition.
The bill aims to protect individuals with Down syndrome from discrimination and ensure that they are given the same rights and opportunities as any other individual. It seeks to promote awareness and understanding of Down syndrome and prevent the termination of pregnancies solely based on a diagnosis of the condition.
If passed, this bill would make it illegal for medical providers to perform abortions solely because the fetus has been diagnosed with Down syndrome. It would also require that medical providers provide information and resources to parents who receive a diagnosis of Down syndrome in their unborn child, in order to help them make informed decisions about their pregnancy. Overall, the Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act is a piece of legislation that seeks to protect the rights and well-being of individuals with Down syndrome and ensure that they are not discriminated against based on their condition.
Congressional Summary of HR 461
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 461
Bill HR 461 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 24, 2023. Bill HR 461 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on January 24, 2023. Bill HR 461's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. as of January 24, 2023
Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 461
Total Number of Sponsors
1Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
1Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
38Democrat Cosponsors
0Republican Cosponsors
38Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 461
Primary Policy Focus
Crime and Law EnforcementPotential Impact Areas
- Abortion
- Birth defects
- Civil actions and liability
- Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
- Disability and health-based discrimination
- Health information and medical records
- Health personnel
- Right of privacy
Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 461
Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act
Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act
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 461
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