The Democratic governor of Pennsylvania, Tom Wolf, is vetoing legislation that would have made it illegal for women to have abortions because their unborn babies test positive for Down syndrome.
Wolf rejected the Republican-backed bill that had just passed the state Senate on Thursday, making it clear he would not approve the proposal, according to a report from the Associated Press.
“There is no evidence that this bill is needed in Pennsylvania,” the governor said in a statement. “I have significant concerns that enforcement of this legislation would upend the doctor-patient relationship and impede on patient confidentiality.”
Jeanne Mancini, president of the pro-life organization March for Life, called Wolf’s decision “disturbing.”
In addition, the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference released a statement, criticizing the Democratic leader for vetoing the pro-life bill that would protect unborn infants with Down syndrome.
“Gov. Wolf’s veto will prevent all children with Down syndrome from going on to live happy and fulfilled lives,” read a statement from the conference. “Had Gov. Wolf signed this legislation, he would’ve ensured the protection of humanity’s most vulnerable lives.”
Wolf’s rejection of the bill comes the same week a new survey revealed a majority of Americans believe abortion clinics should be held to hospital standards.
While the nation is split down the center on the morality of terminating a pregnancy, 70 percent either “strongly” or “somewhat” agree abortion facilities “should be held to the same medical standards as any ordinary hospital.”
Likewise, 75 percent of respondents to the YouGov poll, which was first published by the anti-abortion group Americans United for Life, believe abortionists “should be held to the same medical standards as any ordinary physician.”