US state facing legal action over law banning Down's Syndrome abortions

A US state is facing legal action from the country's biggest abortion provider, Planned Parenthood, for banning abortion on the basis of the child’s gender, or whether they have Down Syndrome.

The Dignity for the Unborn bill, signed by Indiana’s Governor Mike Pence, states: "Indiana does not allow a foetus to be aborted solely because of the foetus's race, colour, national origin, ancestry, sex, or diagnosis or potential diagnosis of the foetus having Down syndrome or any other disability."

Gov. Pence expressed his pleasure at signing the Bill describing it as a "comprehensive pro-life legislation that expands the information that expectant mothers receive and also provides additional protections for the unborn."

"Some of my most precious moments as governor have been with families of children with disabilities, especially those raising children with Down syndrome," Gov Pence added: "These Hoosiers never fail to inspire me with their compassion and these special children never fail to move me with their love and joy."
 

Legal challenge

The state branch of Planned Parenthood has joined forces with abortion activist group the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), to file a legal challenge to the new law.

The Indiana law is due to take effect on July 1, but the ACLU is asking a judge to block the law until a court hears their case, claiming the law is a "gross interference with a fundamental constitutional right of privacy that all women have".
 

Positive Steps

Meanwhile pro-life campaign group Indiana Right to Life praised the new legislation.

"Gov. Pence has long been a champion for the unborn and their mothers," said Mike Ficter, president and CEO of Indiana Right to Life. "By signing the dignity for the unborn bill, Gov. Pence has again signified his commitment to protecting life. We are pleased that our state values life no matter an individual’s potential disability, gender or race. We also believe that the other measures in the bill are positive steps forward for providing dignity and compassion."
 

Don’t Screen Us Out

Outside the UK Houses of Parliament, in April, a rally took place where individuals, families and research organisations gathered to speak up for those with Down's Syndrome. 

The Don't Screen Us Out demonstration highlighted the discriminatory consequences of new pre-natal testing – which many believe will lead to increased abortions on the basis of a Down's Syndrome diagnosis. 

The new test uses NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing) to screen a pregnant mother's blood for tiny fragments of DNA.

These fragments (cell-free DNA) are then checked for abnormalities, including Down’s syndrome, or trisomy 21. The screening is offered between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy.

Related Links: 
ACLU Files Lawsuit to Overturn New Indiana Law Banning Abortions on Babies With Down Syndrome (LifeNews) 
Indiana Bans Abortions Based on a Diagnosis of Down Syndrome (CNS News)
Rally held to protest new pre-natal screening