Colorado Voters Soundly Defeat Dangerous Anti-Choice Amendment for Second Time, Protect a Woman’s Right to Choose

For Immediate Release: Jan. 30, 2014

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Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) applauds the defeat in Colorado of a ballot initiative that could have eliminated a woman’s ability to make the most personal, private decisions about her health care.

Amendment 62, which could have extended legal and constitutional rights to fertilized eggs and could have outlawed abortion and several forms of contraception, was defeated by a decisive 71–29 percent margin.

It is the second time in recent years that Colorado voters have overwhelmingly rejected the extreme proposed measure that could have created far-reaching consequences, affecting an estimated 20,000 state laws.

“By rejecting Amendment 62, Colorado voters have again sent a strong and clear message that personal, private health care decisions should be made by women, their doctors, and their families, not by politicians,” said PPFA President Cecile Richards. “Voters want policies that improve access to health care, not take it away.”

Amendment 62, the so-called “personhood Amendment,” sought to ban all abortions, even for victims of rape or incest, and when a woman’s life is at risk. It also could have also resulted in a ban on emergency contraception and common forms of birth control, as well as blocking the use of in vitro fertilization, among other reproductive health services. Put simply, Amendment 62 could have seriously endangered women’s health and family privacy.

The sponsors of Amendment 62, Personhood Colorado, are part of a national organization, Personhood USA. The group is also working to introduce similar ballot initiatives in other states in upcoming elections.

“The overwhelming rejection of Amendment 62  in a moderate state like Colorado sends a strong message to other states that are considering similar ‘personhood’ initiatives: Voters know a threat to privacy and women’ s health when they see one,” said Richards.  

Nearly 70 state and national organizations joined the NO on 62 Coalition this year, including doctors, nurses, medical researchers, attorneys, faith and religious leaders, civil liberties advocates and community and health advocacy organizations.

Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains was a part of the NO on 62 Coalition and played an important role in educating voters all over Colorado about the dangerous and extreme impact of Amendment 62, and persuading voters to reject Amendment 62.

“We are so grateful for this victory in defeating Amendment 62,” said Vicki Cowart, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains. “This vote demonstrates that Colorado trusts women, and we are a state that supports women and their families, and we want policies that support women and their families.

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 700 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.