Bill > H1665

This bill, known as the "Unborn Victims of Down Syndrome Act," proposes to make it illegal for medical professionals to perform or attempt to perform an abortion if they know the abortion is being sought because the unborn child has been diagnosed with or is suspected of having Down syndrome, which is a chromosomal disorder characterized by an extra or partial copy of chromosome 21. Under the proposed law, any physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or other medical professional who performs such an abortion could be charged with a crime punishable by up to 15 years in state prison, up to 2.5 years in jail, a fine of up to $15,000, or a combination of these penalties. Additionally, the medical licensing boards would be required to revoke the professional's license to practice, and the individual could be held liable in civil court for damages. The bill explicitly states that the pregnant woman seeking the abortion would not be subject to criminal prosecution. The proposed legislation aims to prevent selective abortions based on a Down syndrome diagnosis by establishing significant legal consequences for medical providers who perform such procedures.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1665