Arkansas Senate approves measure banning abortion of fetuses diagnosed with Down syndrome

The Arkansas state Senate approved a measure on Wednesday that would ban doctors from performing abortions if a fetus has been diagnosed with Down syndrome.

The measure, which passed the Senate by a 29-2 vote, applies to doctors performing abortions if they are aware the procedure is being sought because of the diagnosis, according to the Associated Press.

{mosads}The bill was sponsored by state Sen. Trent Garner (R). Prior to the vote, State Sen. Breanne Davis (R) gave an emotional presentation of a resolution recognizing world Down Syndrome Day, which is Thursday.

Davis brought her infant daughter Everly, who was born with Down syndrome, with her as she discussed the resolution, according to the Arkansas Times.

The measure now heads to the House for a vote. If passed, Arkansas would join North Dakota as the only other state with a similar law.

The state’s Republican-led Legislature is moving forward a number of abortion restrictions, the AP reported. Last week, the state signed into law a ban on abortions after 18-weeks into pregnancy.