Senate passes Kennedy-Brownback Down Syndrome Bill

Legislation which has the potential to encourage parents to give life to babies with Down Syndrome and discourage abortions has passed the Senate:

WASHINGTON — Doctors would have to give more comprehensive information to expectant mothers who receive a diagnosis of Down syndrome or other medical conditions under a measure approved by the Senate.

The bill, passed late Tuesday on a voice vote, is the product of an unusual partnership between Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback, an anti-abortion Republican, and Sen. Edward Kennedy, an abortion-rights advocate from Massachusetts.

Brownback hopes the measure discourages women from terminating pregnancies if they test positive for Down syndrome or certain other conditions, such as spina bifida or cystic fibrosis. Between 80 percent and 90 percent of women who learn they are carrying a fetus with Down syndrome opt for an abortion.

The bill would require doctors to provide parents with the latest information about caring for children with disabilities as well as available support services and networks that can help parents unfamiliar with Down syndrome. Similar legislation is pending in the House. ... (Read the rest)

Congratulations to Senator Brownback and Ted Kennedy for coming together in support of this legislation.

Related

• See The Catholic Down Syndrome Society for regular updates on this topic.
  
• Unlikely to Survive: Few Down Syndrome Babies Making It to Birth, by Father John Flynn, LC. "One of the consequences of the nomination of Governor Sarah Palin as the Republican party's vice-presidential candidate is renewed attention to Down syndrome."
  
• UPDATE Early Help: Special needs call for a special attention, by Sam Brownback. National Review September 30, 2008.