Re: “Strengthen Colorado’s penalty for killing a fetus,” April 17 editorial.
Planned Parenthood helped legislators over the last several years to pass the 2013 Crimes Against Pregnant Women law, which provides severe prison time for violent attacks on pregnant women.
It was disappointing to read this editorial on the proposed fetal homicide bill that would establish rights for a fertilized egg from conception. The editorial ignores that this creates, “personhood,” which 65 percent of Colorado voters have rejected repeatedly on the ballot.
Tragically, similar laws in other states have been used against pregnant women — including a woman in Indiana, who was sentenced recently to 41 years (20 in prison) after a miscarriage. There is no research that demonstrates such laws reduce violence against pregnant women. There is evidence they criminalize women and scare doctors.
Navigating legal and emotional concerns following tragic attacks such as the recent case in Longmont is not easy; it shouldn’t result in laws that are bad for women.
Cathy Alderman, Denver
The writer is vice president of public affairs for Planned Parenthood Votes Colorado.
This letter was published in the April 21 edition.
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