Louisiana Genetic Abnormalities Abortion Ban (HB 1019)

HB 1019 would prohibit a person from intentionally performing or attempting to perform an abortion with knowledge that the pregnant patient is seeking the abortion solely because the “unborn child” has been diagnosed with either a genetic abnormality or a potential for a genetic abnormality.

The bill defines “genetic abnormality” means any defect, disease, or disorder that is inherited genetically. Provides that the term includes, without limitation, any physical disfigurement, scoliosis, dwarfism, Down syndrome, albinism, amelia, and any other type of physical, mental, or intellectual disability, abnormality, or disease.

Any person that violates this provision would face a fine of up to $1,000 per incidence and/or up to two years in prison.

The bill would prohibit a physician from performing an abortion on a fetus of less than twenty weeks post-fertilization age without first providing the pregnant woman with an informational document including resources, programs, and services for pregnant women who have a diagnosis of fetal genetic abnormality and resources, programs, and services for infants and children born with disabilities.

STATUS

Signed into law by Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) on June 17th, 2016.

***The Center for Reproductive Rights filed a lawsuit on behalf of several abortion providers challenging seven abortion restrictions (HB 1081; HB 1019; HB 815; SB 33; HB 386; HB 488; and HB 606). The state has agreed to delay enforcement.***

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People

Legal Cases

• June Medical Services v. Gee (2016)