Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act

Senate Bill

S. 205

119th Congress

Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act

In Committee

Introduced:Jan 23, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Steve Daines

Senator

Republican

MT

Cosponsors

12

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Crime and Law Enforcement

Summary

This bill creates federal crimes for performing abortions on unborn children diagnosed with Down syndrome. Violators face up to 5 years in prison and fines. Civil remedies including damages and injunctive relief are authorized. Women undergoing such abortions cannot be prosecuted or held liable.

Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill creates federal crimes for performing abortions on unborn children diagnosed with Down syndrome. Violators face up to 5 years in prison and fines. Civil remedies including damages and injunctive relief are authorized. Women undergoing such abortions cannot be prosecuted or held liable.

Last updated: 1/5/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

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.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Creates federal crime for abortion based on Down syndrome diagnosis
Establishes up to 5 years imprisonment for violators
Authorizes civil remedies including damages
Exempts women from criminal and civil liability
Prohibits discrimination against unborn with Down syndrome

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Abortion providers could face federal prosecution for terminating pregnancies based on Down syndrome diagnosis. Women seeking such abortions would not be penalized, but access to these procedures would be restricted.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Crime and Law Enforcement

Related Subjects

Abortion

Birth defects

Civil actions and liability

Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation

Disability and health-based discrimination

Health information and medical records

Health personnel

Right of privacy

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

205, 119th Congress (2025). "Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-205