Amendment 48 -- Definition of Person

This ballot measure would define a “person” from the moment of egg fertilization. Nobody is hiding the fact that this is an anti-abortion measure, but it could have an impact on other reproductive issues.

Unwarranted CONSTITUTIONAL change -- ADDS Section 31 to Article II

Recommendation: NO
This is a roundabout and extreme way to try to outlaw abortion. It would require all the references to "person" in the constitution or the state statutes to be viewed in light of this amendment. Colorado's three Catholic bishops in the state must be aware of this as they are remaining neutral because of “serious questions” about the amendment’s “timing and content.” The ramifications of this proposal spill over to some forms of birth control, the care of a pregnant woman, miscarriages, in-vitro fertilization and stem cell research. Would death certificates have to be issued every time a woman has a miscarriage in her 5th week of pregnancy? Or perhaps the woman should be hauled off to jail on murder charges. You can see how ridiculous and scary passage of this amendment could be. This should NOT be in our state constitution.


Website for Yes side (Colorado for Equal Rights)
http://www.coloradoforequalrights.com/

Website for No side (Protect Families Protect Choices)
http://www.protectfamiliesprotectchoice.org/


Amendment 48 (Approved ballot title below)

Definition of Person

Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution defining the term "person" to include any being from the moment of fertilization as "person" is used in those provisions of the Colorado constitution inalienable rights, equality of justice, and due process of law?

Yes ________________ No ________________


To see the full text of the proposed measure, click here, then click on “2008 State Ballot Information Booklet” at the top of the page.