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'Personhood' poses quandary

Anti-abortion groups split over Amendment 48

By David Montero - Rocky Mountain News

Monday, September 15, 2008

Supporters of the "Personhood Amendment" on the Nov. 4 ballot argue its strength rests in its simplicity - a mere 43 words in one sentence.

, calling it poorly worded and predicting it would open a Pandora's Box of legal questions that could clog up the legislative process and courtrooms for years.

Amendment 48 might be one of the most controversial items on Colorado's lengthy ballot.

In short, it would amend the state constitution to define personhood as beginning at the moment of conception - when a human egg is fertilized. That fertilized egg - or person, as advocates say - would enjoy all the protections of the state constitution, including inalienable rights, equality of justice and due process, supporters say.

While those who predictably support abortion rights line up against the measure, it has fractured the usually rock-solid line of those who oppose abortion. Among them are Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput and Republican Senate candidate Bob Schaffer. Also not supporting it is National Right to Life.

Their reasoning closely hews to Schaffer's logic.

"He believes it would ultimately set the pro-life cause back because it would not meet judicial tests and would be struck down," said Schaffer's campaign manager Dick Wadhams.

And the Catholic bishops of Colorado said in a statement that while they "admire the goals" of Amendment 48 "it does not provide a realistic opportunity for ending or even reducing abortions in Colorado."

Encouraging a yes vote

However, the political arm of Focus on the Family has chosen to encourage people to vote for it.

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