A proposed ballot measure that would define a fertilized egg as a person in Colorado’s constitution was called deceptive and dangerous by opponents, who filed a challenge to the measure today with the Colorado Supreme Court.
The proponents of the bill have made it clear that the purpose of measure is to stop abortion, said Lizzy Annison, public affairs director for Colorado and Wyoming Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains.
“That the title in this measure does not tell voters that that is what they will be voting on is unacceptable,” she said.
If the measure is enacted, Annison said, its ramifications would be far-reaching, affecting a woman’s right to use hormonal birth controls and couples’ use of in vitro fertilization.
“Every fertilized egg, whether carried by a woman or stored as part of the in vitro process . . . could be defined as a person and could have rights,” she said.
A three-member Ballot Title Board unanimously approved the measure’s language Aug. 1.
“The title board discussed that issue and was briefed on that issue and decided it is not deception,” said Mark Meuser, a legal advisor who supports the measure.
Meuser said that, if passed, the amendment will enable legislature and the people of Colorado to “once again pass laws to protect human life from the very beginning, the moment of fertilization.”
The amendment on it own, however, does not have regulatory enforcement, he said.
“It is up to legislature to enact legislation that is in agreement to constitutional amendments,” he said.
The Colorado Supreme court will have to decide whether or not to hear the case.
Staff writer Simona Gallegos can be reached at 303-954-1555 or at sgallegos@denverpost.com
