Missouri bill would ban abortions for Down Syndrome

Icelandic photographer Sigga Ella wanted to show that people with Down syndrome are more than a chromosomal abnormality. They are diverse and they’re unique, just like everyone else in the world.

by: Associated Press

Posted: Jan 26, 2016 / 01:39 PM CST

Updated: Jan 26, 2016 / 01:39 PM CST

This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) – Performing an abortion based solely on a Down Syndrome diagnosis would become illegal under a bill in the Missouri Senate.

Sen. David Sater told a committee Tuesday that his bill would make Missouri the second state to ban abortions based on a prenatal diagnosis of mental disability, after North Dakota. The Cassville Republican says abortions performed under those circumstances are a form of eugenics.

American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri policy director Sarah Rossi said outlawing abortions for a group of people is unconstitutional. Other opponents said the bill could make it harder for women to talk with their doctors about prenatal screening.

Parents of children with Down syndrome said the public needs to understand the condition doesn’t stop people from leading full, meaningful lives.