Bills · S 205
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 205Civil actions and liabilityHealth personnel
Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act
INTRO JAN 23· LAST ACTION JAN 23
READING
9MIN
COSPONSORS
13
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill addresses the controversial intersection of abortion access and disability rights, particularly concerning individuals with Down syndrome. If it becomes law, it would significantly change the legal landscape for abortion by creating a federal prohibition based on the reason for the abortion, specifically a Down syndrome diagnosis. This would be a departure from current federal law, which does not generally regulate the reasons for abortion.
Voters should care because the bill would directly impact a woman's ability to make personal healthcare decisions regarding her pregnancy. It raises questions about bodily autonomy and the role of the government in medical choices, especially in cases where a severe diagnosis is involved. Conversely, supporters argue it upholds the dignity and value of individuals with Down syndrome and prevents what they view as discriminatory practices. The bill could lead to legal challenges regarding its constitutionality and would likely intensify debates surrounding abortion rights and disability rights nationwide.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Prohibits performing an abortion if a doctor knows it's based, in whole or in part, on a Down syndrome diagnosis for the unborn child.
This provision directly restricts the reasons for which an abortion can be performed, making a Down syndrome diagnosis a federally illegal basis for the procedure.
PROVISION 02
Requires doctors to ask pregnant women about Down syndrome diagnoses and inform them of the legal prohibitions if a diagnosis is known.
This mandates a specific conversation between patient and provider, ensuring awareness of the law's restrictions and potentially influencing abortion decisions.
PROVISION 03
Establishes criminal penalties, including fines and up to 5 years imprisonment, for violating the prohibition.
This creates serious legal consequences for healthcare providers and others involved in performing or facilitating prohibited abortions.
PROVISION 04
Allows civil lawsuits for damages by women coerced into prohibited abortions, and by fathers or maternal grandparents whose unborn child was subject to a prohibited abortion.
This provides a legal avenue for private citizens to seek financial compensation and hold violators accountable, potentially leading to additional enforcement.
PROVISION 05
Defines 'abortion' to specifically exclude procedures aimed at producing a live birth, saving the mother's life, or removing a dead unborn child.
This definition clarifies that the bill's restrictions are targeted at intentional terminations and do not apply to other necessary medical procedures.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 13
R· Montana
YRS IN OFFICE
13
BILLS LED
65
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 13 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJAN 23
Introduced in Senate
JAN 23
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 205
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJan 23, 2025
Last actionJan 23, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · JUDICIARY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 23, 2025
Senate BillS 205Civil actions and liabilityHealth personnel
Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act
INTRODUCED JAN 23, 2025· LAST ACTION JAN 23, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
9 min
COSPONSORS
13
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
