S. 205 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the Senate, Jan 23, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryCreates federal crimes for Down syndrome abortions
This bill would make it a federal crime to perform an abortion on an unborn child who has Down syndrome. Violations would result in criminal penalties including fines and up to five years in prison, and it would also allow civil lawsuits for damages. The bill specifically protects women from being prosecuted or sued for having such an abortion.
How it affects you
This would directly affect abortion providers, who could face federal criminal charges and civil liability. Women seeking or having an abortion would not face prosecution under this law. The bill's practical effects depend on how courts would interpret the requirements for proving a Down syndrome diagnosis motivated an abortion.
Read the official summary (Introduced in Senate, Jan 23, 2025)
Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act
This bill creates new federal crimes related to the performance of an abortion on an unborn child who has Down syndrome.
It subjects a violator to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to five years, or both.
It also authorizes civil remedies, including damages and injunctive relief.
A woman who undergoes such an abortion may not be prosecuted or held civilly liable.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionS. 205
A BILL
Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act
Sponsor: Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) · Introduced Jan 23, 2025 · Crime and Law Enforcement · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Jan 23, 2025: “Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.”