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State Rep. Stephen Huffman
Bill Prohibits
Abortions on Children with Down Syndrome
COLUMBUS—State Representative Stephen Huffman (R-Tipp City) yesterday
applauded the passage of House Bill 214, legislation prohibiting
abortions on unborn children who have or may have Down syndrome.
The legislation, also known as “The Down Syndrome Non-Discrimination
Act,” prohibits anyone from performing or inducing an abortion if that
person has knowledge that the diagnosis or test result indicating Down
syndrome in an unborn child is the reason for seeking the abortion.
House Bill 214, which was joint-sponsored by Reps. Sarah LaTourette
(R-Chesterland) and Derek Merrin (R-Monclova Township), also requires
medical professionals to distribute up-to-date, evidence-based
information on Down syndrome to parents who receive the diagnosis.
“I was proud to vote in favor of House Bill 214 on the House floor
yesterday and assist in shepherding it through the committee process,”
said Huffman. “This legislation will end the discriminatory practice of
abortion based on a Down syndrome diagnosis because every life is
sacred and worthy of protecting and preserving.”
Violation of the statute is a fourth-degree felony and would result in
the State Medical Board revoking a physician’s license. A physician
would also be liable for compensation to any person who sustains
injury, death, or loss from the prohibited abortion. The legislation
grants criminal immunity for a pregnant woman on whom it was performed.
House Bill 214 now heads to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.
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