Ohio to protect babies from fatal discrimination
On Wednesday the 13th December, Ohio lawmakers voted 20-12 in favour of a law to ban abortions based on a diagnosis of Down’s syndrome. It has been sent to the Republican Governor John Kasich, who described the bill as "appropriate" and is likely to sign it after review.
This bill would make it a crime for a physician to perform an abortion with the knowledge that it is being sought due to the baby having Down’s syndrome. If convicted, the state medical board would revoke the physician's license. Women involved in such procedures wouldn't be penalised.
Mike Gonidakis, president of Ohio Right to Life, the state's oldest and largest anti-abortion group, who fought for this anti-discrimination effort said, "Both the House and the Senate sent a loud message that we are a society built on compassion, love, equality. We expect Governor Kasich will sign this legislation, as he said he would in 2015. Every Ohioan deserves the right to life, no matter how many chromosomes they have."
In the rest of UK, it was recently exposed in the Westminster Parliament by MP Fiona Bruce, that 90% of babies with Down’s syndrome are aborted. Abortion discriminates against babies if they aren’t planned and perfect. Frank Stephens, an actor and spokesperson who has Down’s syndrome said, “Whatever you learn today, remember this: I am a man with Down syndrome, and my life is worth living!” He implored his listeners, “Let’s be America, not Iceland,” where 100% of babies with Down’s syndrome are aborted.
David Ford’s private member's bill would make abortion legal for life-limiting disabilities – which in the eyes of the pro-abortion lobby includes babies with an extra chromosome. This bill must not pass – we must all continue to lobby our elected politicians to protect the sanctity and dignity of every human being from the moment of conception.
Bernadette Smyth, director of Precious Life, said "Well done to Ohio for standing up for the most important human right - the right to life. This bill is a starting point in creating a more progressive, inclusive, compassionate society. Here in Northern Ireland we will continue to work to keep abortion not only illegal but unthinkable – for every precious baby, no matter how many chromosomes they have!”