Wichita Standard

Today, on World Down Syndrome Day, Representative Ron Estes from Kansas is reintroducing the Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act. This legislation aims to federally prohibit doctors from performing abortions based on a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome.

"All children deserve the right to life, and aborting a child based solely on their genetic condition with an additional chromosome is discriminatory," stated Rep. Estes. "We must fight for the voiceless and most vulnerable members of our society. Individuals with Down syndrome are a blessing to our communities and families, often having an exceptional quality of life – working, being a part of a family, participating in sports, and more. Yet unborn children with a Down syndrome diagnosis are facing discrimination in the womb, and it is tragically wrong."

The bill also seeks to prevent any person from coercing a woman into terminating her pregnancy due to a Down syndrome diagnosis. The responsibility falls on doctors who perform such abortions rather than the women undergoing them. Violators could face penalties including fines or imprisonment for up to five years.

According to estimates by the Joint Economic Committee, between 60% and 90% of unborn children diagnosed with Down syndrome are aborted in the United States. This rate is significantly higher compared to approximately 18% of all pregnancies that end in abortion.