Ohio considers Down syndrome abortion ban

[OhioChick]

February 10, 2015 at 3:30 PM

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- An Ohio woman who learns her unborn child has Down syndrome would not be allowed to terminate the pregnancy under legislation sought by the state's largest anti-abortion group.

A yet-to-be introduced bill would prohibit abortions sought because a pre-natal screening or diagnostic test showed the fetus could have Down syndrome, also known as trisomy 21. The genetic disorder causes developmental delays and intellectual disability of varying degrees.

Mike Gonidakis, president of Ohio Right to Life, said details such as how the law would be enforced are still being determined as the bill is drafted. Gonidakis said any penalties would be for the physician, not the woman, consistent with other legislation the group has supported.

More: http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2015/02/ohio_considers_down_syndrome_a.html#incart_m-rpt-1

[Dorian Gray]

1. I can't imagine

that this would actually go through, would it?

[riversedge]

4. We are living in a vile strange land these last several years....

I think it--could--pass. yes, it could

[stevenleser]

2. ... and the horse they rode in on. nt

[daredtowork]

3. Uncovers the hypocrisy in the Right to Life position. nt.

[bluestateguy]

5. Ok, then I propose an amendment

All Ohio parents who give birth to a Down Syndrome child are to given $250,000 (tax free) to help cover the expenses of doctors and therapists.

[Shrike47]

7. Too low. At least a million plus life time medical care at state expense.

[LisaL]

10. And if a woman wanted abortion but couldn't get it,

authors of the bill get to raise the child.

[hifiguy]

6. I presume that plenty of resources for the parents of such children

are also being funded? No? Quell surprise!

[Jefferson23]

8. Insisting a woman give birth to any child, disabled or not benefits the child, how??

Control freaks, what an awful demand.

[olddots]

11. this can not be pushed under the rug .

the wrong wing are not just insanely ignorant they are evil and cruel .

[Jefferson23]

12. I would like them to answer these questions..they want total control and how do you

mandate a parent to be a parent? It is not to the benefit of the child, yet they are
allowed to answer with emotional goop while they chip away at Roe Vs Wade even
further.

[LisaL]

9. WTF is wrong with these people?

They want to force women to have children with disability, whether these women want it or not?

[KamaAina]

13. I really, really hate it when the anti's use us as political footballs.

This is happening in Indiana, too. What's bizarre about this one is that it applies to Down's exclusively.

Here's the real problem:

Abortion rates after learning of a possible Down syndrome diagnosis range from 61 to 93 percent, according to a 2012 survey of abortion studies published in the journal Prenatal Diagnosis. The state does not keep statistics on reasons women seek abortion or whether aborted fetuses had been diagnosed with Down syndrome.

Sounds to me like these women are getting advice from doctors who don't have Down's, rather than adults who do, like the woman from Glee.