Ohio abortion providers sue state over Down syndrome abortion ban

[TexasTowelie]

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A handful of Ohio abortion providers sued the state Thursday over its new Down syndrome abortion ban.

The law, signed Dec. 22 by Gov. John Kasich, makes it a felony offense for a doctor to perform an abortion after a prenatal screening or test indicates the fetus has or is likely to have Down syndrome. It takes effect March 23.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court in Cincinnati, claims the abortion restriction violates a woman's constitutional right to privacy and autonomy under the Fourteenth Amendment.

"Well-established constitutional limits, which ensure that a woman -- not the state -- is free to make the final decision regarding any previability abortion, apply regardless of what exceptions the ban may provide, and regardless of what interests the state may assert to justify it," attorneys wrote in a motion seeking a temporary restraining order blocking the law.

Read more: http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2018/02/ohio_abortion_providers_sue_st.html

[radical noodle]

1. Indiana has a similar law

I sure hope the state loses this one. I knew an older couple who had a "surprise" pregnancy in their late 40s. Turned out the pregnancy was twins, both with Down Syndrome. They decided on abortion because they thought they were too old to adequately care for them. It's no one's business WHY a woman wants an abortion.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

2. Exactly.

When I was 37 years old and pregnant with my second child, I refused prenatal testing for Down Syndrome. I felt that if that baby were born with Down, I could handle it. My point is that this is a highly personal decision and what any one person or couple decides is personal, and not a guideline for everyone else.

By the way, that baby was born without Down Syndrome. But I am NOT beginning to suggest that someone else in similar circumstances should make the same choice.