Woman with Down syndrome loses UK abortion law challenge

LONDON – A woman with Down syndrome lost a court challenge against the British government Thursday over a law allowing the abortion up until birth of a fetus with the condition. Heidi Crowter, 26, and two others took the Department of Health and Social Care to court, arguing that part of the Abortion Act is discriminatory and violates the European Convention on Human Rights. Abortions in England, Wales and Scotland are allowed up till 24 weeks of pregnancy. Two senior judges dismissed the case after a two-day hearing.