S 18 United States Senate · 118th Congress

Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act

This bill prohibits abortions performed specifically because a prenatal test or diagnosis indicates the unborn child has Down syndrome. It makes it a federal crime for medical providers to perform such abortions, with potential penalties of up to five years in prison or fines, and allows civil lawsuits by affected individuals (like parents or the woman) seeking damages. The law requires medical professionals to report suspected violations to law enforcement and mandates courts to protect the privacy of women seeking such abortions. It explicitly states the bill does not create a right to abortion or affect existing abortion access, focusing solely on banning disability-based abortion decisions.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2023
Committee Review
Floor Vote
President
Introduced Jan 23, 2023 Last action Jan 23, 2023