Bill > H2546

This bill introduces the "Unborn Victims of Down Syndrome Act" in Massachusetts, which prohibits performing or attempting to perform an abortion if the healthcare provider knows that the abortion is being sought because the unborn child has been diagnosed with Down syndrome or is suspected of having Down syndrome. Under the bill, any medical professional who performs such an abortion would face serious legal consequences, including potential imprisonment for up to 15 years, a fine of up to $15,000, and mandatory revocation of their medical license. The legislation defines Down syndrome as a chromosome disorder involving an extra or partial chromosome 21, and specifies that the law applies from conception to birth. While the bill imposes strict penalties on medical professionals who perform these abortions, it explicitly states that the pregnant woman herself cannot be prosecuted for seeking such an abortion. The bill also allows for civil damages and injunctive relief to be sought against medical professionals who violate the law, and includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part of the law is found invalid, the rest of the law remains in effect.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2546