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Ohio House Passes Another Abortion Ban

The Ohio House has put the state a step closer to becoming the third to pass a ban on abortions after a diagnosis of Down Syndrome has been made. 

Republican Representative Derek Merrin said allowing a diagnosis of Down Syndrome to be used as a reason for abortion is tantamount to discrimination.

“Unborn children are human beings that do exist and those with Down Syndrome are no exception.”

But the lawmakers who oppose this bill say it is unconstitutional and could damage the doctor-patient relationship, and that it sends a bad message to people who have other disabilities.  The bill passed pretty much along party lines with majority Republicans voting for it, and most Democrats voting against it. The bill now goes to the Senate. 

Copyright 2017 The Statehouse News Bureau

Jo Ingles is a professional journalist who covers politics and Ohio government for the Ohio Public Radio and Television for the Ohio Public Radio and Television Statehouse News Bureau. She reports on issues of importance to Ohioans including education, legislation, politics, and life and death issues such as capital punishment.