The Senate voted 29-2 today to approve Sen. Trent Garner’s bill to ban abortion of fetuses determined to have Down Syndrome.

SB 2 says:

Advertisement

A physician shall not intentionally perform or attempt to perform an abortion with the knowledge that a pregnant woman is seeking an abortion solely on the basis of:

(1) A test result indicating Down Syndrome in an unborn child;

(2) A prenatal diagnosis of Down Syndrome in an unborn child; or

3) Any other reason to believe that an unborn child has Down Syndrome.

Prohibition of abortion for any reason pre-viability of the fetus is unconstitutional under Roe v. Wade. A similar law in Indiana has been ruled facially unconstitutional and an appeal is pending. The measure has been approved in several other states. Sens. Will Bond and Joyce Elliott voted no. Four other senators didn’t vote — Linda Chesterfield, Greg Leding, Keith Ingram and Stephanie Flowers.

Should this law be struck down pre-viability, it says it should apply post-viability. There is an exception for abortions to save a mother’s life.

Advertisement

Garner arranged to have the bill considered shortly after an emotional presentation of a resolution by Sen. Breanne Davis recognizing Down Syndrome Day. She carried her infant daughter Everly, born with the syndrome, when she spoke on the resolution.

Garner followed his successful passage of this bill with approval of his bill to make the shotgun the official state firearm.

Advertisement

Be a part of something bigger

As a reader of the Arkansas Times, you know we’re dedicated to bringing you tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, we've been fighting the good fight in Little Rock and beyond – with your support, we can do even more. By becoming a subscriber or donating as little as $1 to our efforts, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers to expand our coverage and continue to bring important stories to light. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, it's clear that our readers value our great journalism. Join us in the fight for truth.

Previous article Transparency? Check the attorney general’s office Next article Analysis disputes state claim that people who lost Medicaid coverage went to work