Amendment 62 – Definition of Person

This ballot measure is almost identical to Amendment 48, soundly rejected 73% to 27% by voters in 2008. The 2008 reference to “from the moment of fertilization” has been changed to “from the beginning of the biological development of that human being.”

This amendment would ban abortion even in the case of rape or incest. It would ban stem cell research and several common methods of birth control. It would also require fertility clinics to find a good home for all in vitro fertilized eggs.

The proponents of Amendment 62 filed suit to stop distribution of the Blue Book claiming that it contained lies in the “Arguments Against” section. You can visit their website (see below) to read their press release and get more details. Their lawsuit was dismissed.

Recommendation: NO

The proponents of Amendment 62 want women to know that forms of birth control like the IUD and the pill kill a living being. This argument goes back to the question, “When does life begin?” They also want to protect women from steroid-type drugs (including Depo-Provera and Norplant) that we deny male athletes. I agree that women and their male partners need to carefully consider the health implications of the birth control they use, but I prefer that women have more options rather than fewer.

We have moved into the 21st century. This year the Nobel Prize in Medicine is being awarded to a scientist who first developed in vitro fertilization over 30 years ago. In 2007 the Nobel Prize was awarded to scientists for their work on embryonic stem cells citing the “benefits to mankind.”


Website for the Yes side (Personhood Colorado)
http://www.personhoodcolorado.com/

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


Approved Ballot Language

Amendment 62 (CONSTITUTIONAL)

Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution applying the term "person", as used in those provisions of the Colorado constitution relating to inalienable rights, equality of justice, and due process of law, to every human being from the beginning of the biological development of that human being?

Yes _____ No _____


Full text of Amendment 62
CO Constitution, Article II, Section 32 (new)
Person defined
http://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/Initiatives/filings/09-10/Final25-0910.pdf