Targeted Abortion Ban
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H.B. 4107 – Rep. David Martin |
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Current Status H.B. 4107 was introduced on February 15, 2023, and was referred to the House Health Policy Committee. Description This bill prohibits abortions based on the prenatal diagnosis of Down Syndrome, Turner Syndrome, Klinefelter Syndrome or any other sex linked chromosomal abnormality. It also prohibits abortion on the basis of sex-selection. Background With the rise of technology in prenatal care, and genetic testing, it is far more common for a woman to discover she has a child with a chromosomal anomaly before giving birth. Across the United States, upwards of 70% – 90% of babies prenatally diagnosed with Down Syndrome are aborted for no other reason then their genetic condition. Several states have passed laws over the years to prevent these eugenic abortions. In addition, sex-selection abortions around the world have led to the destruction of millions of unborn baby girls. History In the late 1960’s, possible markers for Down Syndrome were discovered and integrated into medical practice for pregnant women. In 1988 three biochemical markers were used together with maternal age as a method of screening for Down Syndrome in utero. With the advancements in genetic testing and ultrasound technology used in modern prenatal medical practice, most women can find out the likelihood of having a child with a genetic or chromosomal abnormality before they give birth. These tests are often accurate, but there is no 100% certainty of their accuracy until birth. Furthermore, even when the tests are accurate, the practice of eugenics and ableism promoted by killing children with Down Syndrome in the womb has been a stain on the United States and Michigan for far too long. |