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BISMARCK – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) joined Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK) in re-introducing the Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act, legislation to enact a federal ban on the performance of an abortion with the knowledge that a pregnant woman is seeking an abortion, in whole or in part, on the basis of a belief that her unborn child has Down syndrome. This legislation would not penalize the expectant mother in any way.   

“Approximately 6,000 babies with Down syndrome are born every year,” said Senator Cramer. “Each of them is a human being, endowed by their Creator with the right to life and deserving of an opportunity to make a difference in this world. Our legislation gives them that chance.”

If passed, the Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act: 

  • Makes it illegal for a doctor to knowingly perform an abortion being sought because the baby has or may have Down syndrome, or, if the doctor does not know whether Down syndrome is a contributing factor, requires the doctor to first ask the mother if she is aware of any test results indicating that the child has Down syndrome and to inform her of prohibitions put in place by the law.
  • Prohibits anyone from forcing a woman to have an abortion because the baby has Down syndrome.
  • Imposes a fine and/or imprisonment of up to five years on those who violate the law, and pulls federal funds under existing federal disability anti-discrimination laws from associated abortion clinics.
  • Protects the mother by barring her from being prosecuted or held liable for any violation of the bill and puts in place guardrails to protect her privacy in all court proceedings.

Senators Cramer and Inhofe are joined on the bill by Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), James Lankford (R-OK), John Thune (R-SD), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Barrasso (R-WY), Tom Cotton (R-AR), James Risch (R-ID), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), John Boozman (R-AR), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Ben Sasse (R-NE), John Hoeven (R-ND), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Rick Scott (R-FL), Mike Braun (R-IN) and Marco Rubio (R-FL). Congressman Ron Estes (R-KS) re-introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.  

Learn more here.