(Click to contact your representative today and ask them to vote FOR the Human Life Non-Discrimination Act – HB453)

Greetings Friend,

Today, we're excited to announce the filing of the Human Life Non-Discrimination Act (HB453), which prohibits abortions based on race and/or the prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome. The bill's filing is thanks to Rep Pat McElraft (Carteret & Jones); Rep. John Bradford (Mecklenburg); Rep. Kristin Baker, M.D. (Cabarrus); and Rep. Dean Arp (Union).

“All babies−born and unborn− have intrinsic dignity and worth and should be protected from the practice of eugenic abortion in North Carolina,” according to Primary Bill Sponsor, Representative Pat McElraft.

In doctors’ offices across the state, parents are relying on noninvasive prenatal screening tests that can provide inaccurate results more than 50 percent of the time during the first trimester. According to a recent New England Journal of Medicine study, “A mother’s DNA can alter test results, leading parents — and even their doctors — to believe their babies have major disorders when they are, in fact, healthy. Women facing a positive result from a screen that promises 'accurate results, the first time' could have up to a 60 percent chance of a healthy baby."

“Children shouldn’t have to pass a genetic test to earn the right to be born” said bill co-sponsor Representative John Bradford. “Today, it is estimated that 70 percent of all babies with a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome are aborted.”

“If we truly want to eradicate discrimination predicated on race or disability, we must ensure that this protection begins in the womb,” said Rep. Dean Arp. A Marist Poll earlier this year found that 70 percent of Americans living in the South — including 56 percent of those who consider themselves to be pro-choice, 59 percent of Democrats, and 70 percent of Independents — oppose abortion based on a diagnosis of Down syndrome.

Representative Kristin Baker added, “We do not condone actions to eradicate individuals with Down syndrome. Many miracles have been missed--it is time to stop the practice of eugenic abortion, which is the ultimate tool of discrimination.”

The North Carolina Values Coalition is backing this bill because every child should have the chance to live a full, happy life. We hope that North Carolina will join the leading edge of states enacting protections against the discrimination of unborn children.

If you agree, would you consider clicking-to-contact your NC House member and asking them to vote FOR the Human Life Non-Discrimination Act – HB453?

 

In gratitude,