- On January 28th, 2021, the Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act was proposed to the Senate. It was sponsored by Republican Senator James M. Inhofe from Oklahoma. 
- The intention of this bill was to outlaw abortion as a result of a positive prenatal screening for Down syndrome; in other words, prohibiting parents from being able to access an abortion when made aware they were going to birth a baby with Down syndrome. 
- The current status of the proposed bill is that it has now been referred to the Judiciary. 

University of Virginia, Charlottesville

Individuals with Down syndrome are subject to broader U.S. legislation protecting rights for individuals with disabilities, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Fourteenth Amendment, and more. There are more specific policies and forms of legislation particularly protecting individuals with Down syndrome and chromosomal defects. 

Legislation for Down syndrome

S.75 – 117th Congress (2021-2022): Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act of 2021. (2021, January 28). https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/75?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22down+syndrome%22%2C%22down%22%2C%22syndrome%22%5D%7D&r=2&s=1

Learn Before

Related