July 12, 2010 Vote NO on Amendment 62
Divisive and unnecessary constitutional amendments plague the ballot this year. Amendment 62 certainly falls into this category, and I’ll be campaigning against it.
Divisive and unnecessary constitutional amendments plague the ballot this year. Amendment 62 certainly falls into this category, and I’ll be campaigning against it.
Amendment 62 shouldn’t take long for most voters to figure out, as it should look very familiar. Remember Amendment 48 from the 2008 election? Well this is virtually the same thing. It’s back! And it’s just as wrong as before. Over 70% of Colorado voters rejected this proposal in the last general election, and I’m hoping an equal or larger number will do so again.
Amendment 62 would amend the Colorado Constitution to say that a fertilized human egg, “from the beginning of biological development,” is a person entitled to full protection of its constitutional rights. Although the measure is being promoted by anti-abortion groups, its potential ramifications go far beyond reproductive rights.
SO WHAT WOULD AMENDMENT 62 DO?
Amendment 62 would interject the government, lawyers, and courts in our personal lives. It will affect important life decisions that should be made by individuals, their doctors, and families, not extremists rewriting the state constitution. Amendment 62 has the potential to eliminate a woman’s right to make personal private decisions about her own body and her health. It invites government intrusion into matters best left to individuals and their families.
Amendment 62 simply goes too far. Public policy should protect the sanctity and privacy of the doctor-patient relationship, but this amendment does just the opposite. The backers of Amendment 62 want to ban all abortions — even for victims of rape and incest, or when a woman’s life or health is at risk. It could make criminals out of a woman and her doctor.
Amendment 62 would impact literally thousands of laws — from when property rights are granted, to inheritance rights, to who can file a lawsuit. A legal nightmare would be established in our constitution, clogging our courts and allowing lawsuits against anyone associated with a woman’s health.
This is a constitutional amendment with far-reaching consequences for important life decisions. By giving legal rights from the beginning of biological development, this amendment could ban emergency contraception for rape and incest victims. Because birth control options like the Pill and IUDs can prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus, they could also be banned.
WHAT CAN WE DO TO STOP AMENDMENT 62?
First and foremost, Vote NO, and tell everyone you know to Vote NO on 62. But don’t stop there. Get involved. A broad coalition of groups opposing Amendment 62 will be working to educate Colorado voters prior to the November general election. Join the effort and help spread the word. For more information visit http://www.protectfamiliesprotectchoices.org/
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