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Down syndrome abortion bill may be unconstitutional, but lawmakers move forward anyway

A contentious Down syndrome abortion bill moved forward in the Utah Legislature on Thursday, even after state attorneys reported a “high probability” that a court would find it unconstitutional.

House Bill 205 would bar a doctor from performing an abortion if the pregnant woman seeks the procedure after the fetus is diagnosed with Down syndrome.

“If we pass this bill, we are buying ourselves a lawsuit,” said Rep. Brian King, D-Salt Lake City, urging his colleagues on the Utah Judiciary Committee not to approve the legislation.

He reminded them of their oath to uphold the U.