Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits abortions based solely on a diagnosis for Down Syndrome.

Highlights:

• Requires the physician or health care practitioner who diagnosed a woman with a life-limiting condition to their pregnancy to orally and in-person provide information on perinatal support care which shall include support care programs available (Sec. 3).

• Defines “perinatal support care” as comprehensive support to a pregnant woman and her family that includes the following support from the time of diagnosis through pregnancy termination and the postpartum period, including (Sec. 2):

• Counseling and medical care;

• Maternal-fetal medical specialists; and

• Obstetricians.

• Requires that within 90 days of this act becoming law the Department of Health of the Commonwealth to post on their free website the following information that can be printed and delivered by the physician or health care practitioner to the pregnant woman (Sec. 4):

• A statement indicating that perinatal support programs are innovative and compassionate;

• A general description of the health care; and

• Any applicable contact information, including 24-hour perinatal support care services available.

• Specifies that a violation of this act will subject a health care practitioner to administrative sanctions by the health care practitioner’s licensing board (Sec. 5).

Full Bill Text