Pennsylvania Down Syndrome Protection Legislation (HB 321)

This law was last updated on Nov 26, 2019

State

Pennsylvania

Number

HB 321

Status

Vetoed

Proposed

Apr 15, 2019

Topics

Genetic Anomalies

Full Bill Text

www.legis.state.pa.us

HB 321 would prohibit abortion if the procedure is being sought because the fetus has been diagnosed with Down syndrome. The bill provides an exception for medical emergencies and pregnancies that are the result of rape or incest.

Any person who violates this provision would be committing a felony of the third degree—punishable by three and a half to seven years in prison. A physician who violates this provision would be guilty of “unprofessional conduct” and may have their medical license suspended or revoked.

Related Legislation

Similar to SB 21.

Latest Action

4/15/19 – Introduced; referred to House Health Committee.

5/14/19 – Passed the House in a 117-76 vote.

11/21/19 – vetoed by Gov. Tom Wolf.