PRINTER'S NO. 1155
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
174
Session of
2017
INTRODUCED BY MARTIN, SCARNATI, EICHELBERGER, MENSCH, GORDNER,
WARD, RESCHENTHALER, RAFFERTY, HUTCHINSON, LANGERHOLC,
VULAKOVICH, BARTOLOTTA, FOLMER, BLAKE, DiSANTO, YUDICHAK AND
AUMENT, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017
REFERRED TO HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017
A RESOLUTION
Condemning the practice of selectively aborting fetuses with
Down syndrome.
WHEREAS, Recent reports have characterized Iceland's near
eradication of Down syndrome as laudable despite the eradication
being the result of abortion following prenatal diagnosis of
Down syndrome; and
WHEREAS, Purposefully encouraging abortion and using other
sterilization techniques to rid society of a class of
individuals are heinous, immoral actions, essentially practicing
eugenics; and
WHEREAS, Eugenics is a science that deals with the
improvement of hereditary qualities of a race or breed by
controlling human mating and reproduction; and
WHEREAS, Historically, the vile tactics of eugenics have been
practiced worldwide and widely condemned after their expanded
use in Nazi Germany; and
WHEREAS, The notion that an individual with Down syndrome is
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incapable of leading a full life is grossly flawed; and
WHEREAS, After receiving prenatal test results, parents
should not be pressured into aborting their children; and
WHEREAS, Resources should be devoted to improving the lives
of those with Down syndrome, developing and delivering new and
effective educational, behavioral and drug treatments for Down
syndrome and conducting related research; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate condemn the practice of selectively
aborting fetuses with Down syndrome; and be it further
RESOLVED, That individuals with Down syndrome be respected
and admired for the joy and contributions they bring to society.
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