Jun. 08, 2021
HARRISBURG – The House today approved legislation by Rep. Kate Klunk (R-Hanover) to protect the lives of children with a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome.
Just like Pennsylvania does not allow an abortion based on the sex of the child, Klunk’s House Bill 1500 would not allow an abortion because of a Down syndrome diagnosis. Nothing in this proposal would interfere with the existing ability of a woman to obtain an abortion in cases of rape, incest or endangerment to the mother, which are contained in different sections of the Abortion Control Act.
“A diagnosis of Down syndrome shouldn’t be a reason to end a viable life,” Klunk said. “Rather, each life should be celebrated. People with Down syndrome are some of the most caring, loving and nurturing people I have ever met. We must work to protect the Down syndrome community from the stigma it suffers from the practice of Down-syndrome selective abortions.”
The life expectancy for those with Down syndrome has increased exponentially throughout the years due to medical advancement. The life expectancy for someone with Down syndrome has gone from 10 years of age in 1960 to 60 years of age today.
House Bill 1500 now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Representative Kate A. Klunk
169th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives