Utah House Passes Down Syndrome Abortion Ban

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Utah House of Representatives has passed a proposal to ban abortions sought because a fetus has been diagnosed with Down syndrome.

The legislation approved Friday would only go into effect if a similar law is upheld in court, a provision added to address concerns that it could embroil the state in an expensive lawsuit.

Republican Rep. Karianne Lisonbee says too many fetuses with a Down syndrome diagnosis are being aborted, leaving the world without their unique contributions. People with Down syndrome and their families have spoken in favor of the measure.

Opponents say the measure it’s heavy-handed and takes complicated personal decisions out of the hands of women and their doctors.

The measure passed on a 54-15 vote and now goes to the Utah Senate.