Pennsylvania Selective Abortion Ban (SB 21)

SB 21 would ban abortions solely due to a prenatal diagnosis or belief that the fetus has Down syndrome.

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Current state law permits a pregnant person to obtain an abortion if the physician determines the abortion to be necessary. The law stipulates that no abortion which is sought solely due to the sex of the fetus may be deemed a necessary abortion.

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The bill would clarify that no abortion may be deemed necessary if sought exclusively for either or both of the following reasons:

• The sex of the fetus.
• A prenatal diagnosis of, or belief that the fetus has Down Syndrome.

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Related Legislation

Similar to HB 321.

Identical to HB 2050/SB 1050, which failed to pass in 2018.

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Latest Action

5/20/19 – Introduced; referred to senate health and human services committee.

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People