PRINTER'S NO. 23
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE BILL
No.
21
Session of
2021
INTRODUCED BY MARTIN, J. WARD, K. WARD, PHILLIPS-HILL, STEFANO,
ARNOLD, LANGERHOLC, YAW, DiSANTO, GORDNER, MENSCH, MASTRIANO,
AUMENT, HUTCHINSON, REGAN AND PITTMAN, JANUARY 20, 2021
REFERRED TO HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, JANUARY 20, 2021
AN ACT
Amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes, in abortion, further providing for
definitions and for medical consultation and judgment.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Section 3203 of Title 18 of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes is amended by adding a definition to read:
§ 3203. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this chapter
shall have, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the
meanings given to them in this section:
* * *
"Down syndrome." A chromosome disorder associated with an
extra chromosome 21, in whole or in part, or an effective
trisomy for chromosome 21.
* * *
Section 2. Section 3204(c) of Title 18 is amended to read:
§ 3204. Medical consultation and judgment.
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* * *
(c) Factors.--The following shall apply:
(1) In determining in accordance with subsection (a) or
(b) whether an abortion is necessary, a physician's best
clinical judgment may be exercised in the light of all
factors (physical, emotional, psychological, familial and the
woman's age) relevant to the well-being of the woman. [No
abortion which is sought solely because of the sex of the
unborn child shall be deemed a necessary abortion.]
(2) No abortion shall be deemed necessary if sought
exclusively for either or both of the following reasons:
(i) The sex of the unborn child.
(ii) A prenatal diagnosis of or belief that the
unborn child has Down syndrome.
* * *
Section 3. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
20210SB0021PN0023 - 2 -
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