Gov. Gary Herbert said Thursday he’s working with Utah lawmakers on a bill that would ban abortions of a fetus diagnosed with Down syndrome. Legislative attorneys have flagged the bill, saying if it passes, it would likely face a legal challenge.
“The fact that it has a constitutional note should cause concern,” Herbert said.
He added that he’s “pro-life,” therefore “kind of anti-Roe v. Wade.”
“But I’m concerned about making sure that we follow laws that are constitutional,” he said.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Karianne Lisonbee, R-Clearfield, has so far passed the House.
It would make it a misdemeanor for a doctor to perform an abortion on a woman whose is seeking one because her fetus has been diagnosed with Down syndrome.
Similar laws are already facing legal challenges in Louisiana, Indiana, and Ohio, where a lawsuit was filed Thursday.
Lisonbee argues those types of abortions are a form of discrimination.
“It is a eugenic-like eradication that is happening with greater frequency worldwide, including, sadly, right here in Utah,” she said after unveiling the bill last month.
