Ohio Passes Bill To Ban Abortions After Down’s Syndrome Is Found

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COLUMBUS — Ohio's GOP-controlled House passed a bill Wednesday to ban abortions after a fetal diagnosis of Down syndrome.

The proposal, which passed 63-30, would penalize doctors who perform those types of abortions.

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"Their right to life should be protected," said GOP Rep. Derek Merrin of Monclova Township, Ohio, a sponsor of the proposed ban. "Individuals with Down syndrome are truly treasures."

American women choose to terminate pregnancies 50% to 85% of the time after a Down syndrome diagnosis, according to a study published in 2012 in the medical journal Prenatal Diagnosis.

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Physicians who violate the proposed ban would face a fourth-degree felony, punishable by up to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine. They could also lose their license to practice medicine and face lawsuits if the woman is injured or dies because of the prohibited abortion.

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Women who have abortions knowing that the fetus has been diagnosed with Down syndrome would face no penalties under the bill. Democrats tried to add language that would prevent women from being forced to disclose a fetal Down syndrome diagnosis.

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Only three states — Indiana, Louisiana and North Dakota — have passed laws to ban abortions after diagnoses of genetic abnormalities. A federal judge found Indiana's law to be unconstitutional and Louisiana's law is facing a legal challenge.

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