Down syndrome has come front and center in a nationwide debate on abortion.
Utah is now close to passing a bill that would ban doctors from aborting a fetus based solely on the fact that it has Down syndrome.
Similar bills have been passed in North Dakota, Ohio, Indiana and Louisiana, and have become very controversial among human rights groups.
The American Civil Liberties Union and Planned Parenthood have so far mounted successful challenges in court to block the implementation of such bills.
Republican Karianne Lisonbee from Clearfield, Utah introduced the bill, citing an increase in abortions performed because of a prenatal test that determines certain genetic traits.
The bill was passed by the Utah House earlier. A Senate committee approved the legislation last week. It is awaiting final approval on the Senate floor. The session ends Thursday at midnight.
