PA Democrat Gov. Tom Wolf: Women ‘Must Be Able’ to Abort Babies with Down Syndrome

Pennsylvania Democrat Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed legislation Thursday that would have prohibited abortions based on a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome.

Another attack on abortion: VETOED ✅ pic.twitter.com/xpV63KVVAV

— Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) November 21, 2019

“There is no evidence that this bill is needed in Pennsylvania,” Wolf said in his veto message, and added:

This legislation is a restriction on women and medical professionals and interferes with women’s health care and the crucial decision-making between patients and their physicians. Physicians and their patients must be able to make choices about medical procedures based on best practices and standards of care. The prohibitions under this bill are not consistent with the fundamental rights vested by the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution.

"I was simply the beneficiary of what I call the 'random lottery of birth.'" – John Fetterman.

"You can't win the birth lottery if you aren't even allowed to play." – Kate Klunk. @PAcatholic @PAProLifeFed @PFIpolicy pic.twitter.com/cRtRgJZvcj

— Rep. Kate Klunk (@RepKateKlunk) November 21, 2019

Wolf continued he was not aware of disability rights groups that support the bill, though elected representatives in both chambers of the state legislature passed it.

This important piece of legislation reminds us that every human life has dignity & worth…even those with Down Syndrome. I stand with these perfectly imperfect individuals. My 36-yr-old niece was born with Down Syndrome. Allison's parents chose life. @RepKateKlunk @PASenateGOP pic.twitter.com/sYHDa1wN5Q

— Senator Doug Mastriano (@SenMastriano) November 21, 2019

In an earlier message in which he indicated he would be vetoing the bill, Wolf criticized the pro-life community stating, “This bill masks yet another attempt to ban abortions and put politicians between a woman and her doctor.”

“[T]his is a particularly cynical way to impugn women seeking constitutionally protected health care options,” the governor added.

I agree with Senator Ward’s statement and commend Rep Klunk, the primary sponsor of HB321. This bill that I co-sponsored just passed the Senate. @SenatorJWard @RepKateKlunk https://t.co/GevA2YACzW

— Rep. Barb Gleim (@RepGleim) November 20, 2019

I believe that every single child should have the right to live a full and productive life, no matter what their circumstance might be.

You can watch my comments I offered in support of @RepKateKlunk's #PAHouse Bill 321 today 📺👇 pic.twitter.com/cdmkFaaVck

— Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill (@SenatorKristin) November 20, 2019

In December 2017, Wolf also vetoed a measure that would have banned dismemberment abortion — also known as dilation and evacuation abortion (D&E) — which is generally performed during the second trimester of pregnancy. During this procedure, the unborn baby’s limbs are torn off its body prior to removing him or her from the mother’s uterus. Wolf said the ban was “extreme” and “restrictive” for women.

Thank you @GovernorTomWolf! #HB321 – vetoed. #StopPABans https://t.co/BOq96UVHzT

— Planned Parenthood PA Advocates (@PPAdvocatesPA) November 22, 2019

Planned Parenthood — the nation’s largest abortion business —announced in June 2018 it would be spending $1.5 million to ensure Wolf was re-elected last November.