Ohio Might Outlaw Aborting Down Syndrome Babies

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Grace Carr

Ohio is considering adopting a law that would criminalize abortions for unborn babies who receive a positive test for Down syndrome.

The House will likely vote on the measure, House Bill 214, Wednesday, and if the new measure passes, aborting unborn babies with Down syndrome would constitute a fourth-degree felony according to WOSU Radio. Any doctors or nurses who attempt to perform, induce or attempt an abortion would be charged with a crime, have their medical license revoked, and be fined damages.

The House previously heard comments from supporters in two hearings and now will consider remarks from opponents on Wednesday. The session is expected to be the final committee hearing on the bill’s passage, and the measure will go to a full House vote on Wednesday evening.

Opponents contend that the bill violates a woman’s legal right to have an abortion and harms doctor-patient relations.

Ohio state Sen. Frank LaRose is also sponsoring a similar measure in the Senate, Senate Bill 164.

If the law passes, Ohio will join Indiana and North Dakota as the third state that doesn’t allow abortions for Down syndrome babies.

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