The US state of West Virginia has banned abortion of foetuses if they have Down Syndrome or other disabilities.

The “Unborn Child with Down Syndrome Protection and Education Act” prohibit patients from terminating a pregnancy based on the possibility that the foetus may develop a disability. The law goes into effect on June 10 of this year.

Abortion providers will have to ask each patient if they are choosing to terminate a pregnancy based on a potential disability. Providers will then have to submit a statement to the state confirming that is not the reason. Medical practitioners which do not comply with this law could lose their licences. Patients would face no penalties.

West Virginians for Life said that the law would protect the lives of those with Down Syndrome.