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INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (March 24, 2016)– Gov. Mike Pence signed a bill Thursday that prevents women from aborting a fetus due to Down syndrome or other genetic abnormalities.

The measure also prohibits abortions sought on the basis of gender or race.

Abortion providers could face wrongful death lawsuits or professional sanctions if an abortion is performed solely on the basis of a genetic condition.

Gov. Pence issued the following statement:

“Throughout my public career, I have stood for the sanctity of life. HEA 1337 is a comprehensive pro-life measure that affirms the value of all human life, which is why I signed it into law today. “I believe that a society can be judged by how it deals with its most vulnerable—the aged, the infirm, the disabled and the unborn. HEA 1337 will ensure the dignified final treatment of the unborn and prohibits abortions that are based only on the unborn child’s sex, race, color, national origin, ancestry, or disability, including Down syndrome. “Some of my most precious moments as Governor have been with families of children with disabilities, especially those raising children with Down syndrome. These Hoosiers never fail to inspire me with their compassion and these special children never fail to move me with their love and joy. “By enacting this legislation, we take an important step in protecting the unborn, while still providing an exception for the life of the mother. I sign this legislation with a prayer that God would continue to bless these precious children, mothers and families.”

Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky (PPINK) President and CEO Betty Cockrum issued this statement:

“Pence fails to grasp basic facts when it comes to reproductive health. Education, coupled with access to all reproductive health services is the most effective method of protecting Hoosiers. It is clear that the governor is more comfortable practicing medicine without a license than behaving as a responsible lawyer, as he picks and chooses which constitutional rights are appropriate.”