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Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act

USA119th CongressHR-2251| House 
| Updated: 3/21/2025
Ron Estes

Ron Estes

Republican Representative

Kansas

Cosponsors (13)
Barry Moore (Republican)Keith Self (Republican)Claudia Tenney (Republican)William R. Timmons (Republican)Pete Sessions (Republican)John R. Moolenaar (Republican)Mary E. Miller (Republican)Mike Bost (Republican)Russell Fry (Republican)Marlin A. Stutzman (Republican)Randy K. Sr. Weber (Republican)Tracey Mann (Republican)Robert B. Aderholt (Republican)

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill, known as the "Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act," seeks to amend Title 18, United States Code, by prohibiting abortions performed, in whole or in part, because an unborn child has been diagnosed with Down syndrome. It defines "abortion" as an act intended to kill an unborn child or terminate a pregnancy, with specific exceptions for live birth preservation, saving the pregnant woman's life, or removing a dead unborn child. The legislation makes it unlawful to perform an abortion with knowledge of a Down syndrome diagnosis, or without first inquiring about such a diagnosis and informing the woman of the prohibition. The bill also prohibits using force to coerce such an abortion, soliciting funds for it, or transporting a woman across state lines for this purpose. Violators face criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment for up to 5 years. Additionally, it establishes civil remedies, allowing the woman, father, or maternal grandparent to sue for damages and injunctive relief. The Act mandates that medical professionals report known or suspected violations and stipulates that a woman upon whom an abortion is performed cannot be prosecuted or held civilly liable under this section. Furthermore, a violation of this act is deemed discrimination for the purposes of section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, potentially leading to a loss of federal funding.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-532
Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-461
Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act
Jan 23, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-205
Introduced in Senate
Mar 21, 2025
Introduced in House
Mar 21, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-532
    Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-461
    Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act


  • January 23, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-205
    Introduced in Senate


  • March 21, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • March 21, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Crime and Law Enforcement

Related Bills

  • S 119-205: Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act

Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act

USA119th CongressHR-2251| House 
| Updated: 3/21/2025
This bill, known as the "Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act," seeks to amend Title 18, United States Code, by prohibiting abortions performed, in whole or in part, because an unborn child has been diagnosed with Down syndrome. It defines "abortion" as an act intended to kill an unborn child or terminate a pregnancy, with specific exceptions for live birth preservation, saving the pregnant woman's life, or removing a dead unborn child. The legislation makes it unlawful to perform an abortion with knowledge of a Down syndrome diagnosis, or without first inquiring about such a diagnosis and informing the woman of the prohibition. The bill also prohibits using force to coerce such an abortion, soliciting funds for it, or transporting a woman across state lines for this purpose. Violators face criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment for up to 5 years. Additionally, it establishes civil remedies, allowing the woman, father, or maternal grandparent to sue for damages and injunctive relief. The Act mandates that medical professionals report known or suspected violations and stipulates that a woman upon whom an abortion is performed cannot be prosecuted or held civilly liable under this section. Furthermore, a violation of this act is deemed discrimination for the purposes of section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, potentially leading to a loss of federal funding.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-532
Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-461
Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act
Jan 23, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-205
Introduced in Senate
Mar 21, 2025
Introduced in House
Mar 21, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-532
    Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-461
    Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act


  • January 23, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-205
    Introduced in Senate


  • March 21, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • March 21, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Ron Estes

Ron Estes

Republican Representative

Kansas

Cosponsors (13)
Barry Moore (Republican)Keith Self (Republican)Claudia Tenney (Republican)William R. Timmons (Republican)Pete Sessions (Republican)John R. Moolenaar (Republican)Mary E. Miller (Republican)Mike Bost (Republican)Russell Fry (Republican)Marlin A. Stutzman (Republican)Randy K. Sr. Weber (Republican)Tracey Mann (Republican)Robert B. Aderholt (Republican)

Judiciary Committee

Crime and Law Enforcement

Related Bills

  • S 119-205: Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted