Ohio mulls Down syndrome abortion ban, Kasich mum for now

Ohio lawmakers are considering a controversial bill that would ban abortions sought because the baby has Down syndrome, placing the swing state at the center of a new battle for anti-abortion advocates.

 

The measure also has implications for the 2016 presidential race, as Ohio Gov. John Kasich seeks the Republican nomination and tries to walk a fine line between burnishing his pro-life credentials and positioning himself as a moderate member of the GOP field. He has not taken a position on the legislation.

 

“The governor is pro-life and believes strongly in the sanctity of human life, but we don’t take a public position on every bill introduced into the Ohio General Assembly,” Rob Nichols, a Kasich spokesman, told FoxNews.com.

 

The Ohio bill would ban a physician from performing an abortion if they know the woman is seeking the procedure solely because of a test indicating Down syndrome in the unborn child.

 

The bill would hold the doctor, not the mother, responsible for violating the proposed law, which carries a penalty of six-to-18 months in jail.

 

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