Kochmar’s bill to empower parents of children with Down Syndrome signed by governor
Rep. Linda Kochmar’s bill requiring more information be distributed to expecting parents of children diagnosed with Down Syndrome was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee March 29.
House Bill 2403 requires healthcare providers who provide a parent with a prenatal or postnatal Down Syndrome diagnosis to provide information prepared by the Department of Health about the genetic disorder. The pamphlet would include evidence-based information about the genetic condition, and contact information for organizations who provide support services for parents.
“As couples enter a new chapter of their lives as parents, it’s crucial they’re equipped with information that will help them best care for their child,” said Kochmar, R-Federal Way. “The level of misinformation spread about Down Syndrome is astonishing, and we must ensure evidence-based information is available to new parents.”
The bill will go into effect later this year.
PHOTO: Rep. Linda Kochmar’s House Bill 2403 is signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee March 29, 2016.
