Utah Legislature passes Down syndrome abortion ban

The Utah Legislature has passed a proposal to ban abortions sought because a fetus has been diagnosed with Down syndrome.

The Thursday vote sends the measure to Republican Gov. Gary Herbert’s desk.

The legislation that easily gained final passage in the Utah Senate would only go into effect if a similar law is upheld in court, a provision added to address criticism that it could embroil the state in an expensive lawsuit.

Herbert declined to immediately say if he would sign the measure during his monthly news conference on KUED-TV, but said he’s generally “a pro-life guy.”

Republican sponsor Rep. Karianne Lisonbee has said too many fetuses with a Down syndrome diagnosis are being aborted.

Opponents say the measure takes complicated personal decisions out of the hands of women and their doctors.