Back to the Utah State Aggies Newsfeed

Bill to ban Down syndrome abortions passes Utah Senate committee

A Utah Senate committee on Monday approved legislation that would ban abortions sought because of a Down syndrome diagnosis, despite ongoing concerns a court would find it unconstitutional and other questions raised about its vague language.

“Social engineering is alive and well in Utah’s abortion clinics and doctor’s offices today,” the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Karianne Lisonbee, R-Clearfield, told the committee members, expressing her concern that too many fetuses with a Down syndrome diagnosis are being aborted.

”I will fight for the diversity of humanity in our society,” Lisonbee said, adding she sees the bill as Utah’s message to the world that “we will not tolerate discrimination.