Statement by Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains’ CEO and President Vicki Cowart about challenge to Personhood Colorado’s Title Board Review Hearing concerning 2012 citizen-driven ballot initiative

DENVER – “Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains is disappointed in today’s decision by the state Title Review Board to unanimously motion in favor of Personhood Colorado’s push to place a so-called ‘personhood’ amendment on the 2012 ballot.  Today’s effort will make it Personhood Colorado’s third attempt since 2008. 

“Opponents of the measure challenged Personhood Colorado’s presentation to the Title Board, stating that their proposal is not consistent with the state’s single subject clause for citizen-driven ballot initiatives.  Planned Parenthood agrees with this claim.  While we believe that the outcomes of 2012 proposed measure would be just as dangerous as the previous two attempts, the new language in the 2012 measure appears to create a plethora of new problems that will require additional legal analysis.

“The new language undoubtedly touches on multiple subjects, which would fly in the face of the Colorado Constitution.  In fact the 2012 proposed measure, arguably, goes much further than the ballot measure Colorado voters defeated in the 2008 and 2010 elections.

“While Personhood Colorado believes it has addressed the concerns of Colorado voters and answered questions of past attempts, the new ballot language actually poses more questions and greater legal ambiguity.  This new language is merely a smokescreen for Personhood Colorado’s real agenda, which is to restrict a woman’s ability to make personal, private medical decisions about her own body.

“Planned Parenthood, in conjunction with the coalition group that defeated Amendment 62 in the 2010 election, is determined to defeat Personhood Colorado’s third attempt to take health care options away from women.”

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Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains empowers individuals and families in the communities we serve to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health by providing high quality health services, comprehensive sex education, and strategic advocacy.  More than 123,000 women, men, and young adults annually visit our 28 health centers throughout Colorado , New Mexico , Southern Nevada, and Wyoming .  Since 1916, we have been the region’s most trusted provider of reproductive health care.  For more information about Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains , call 1.800.230.PLAN or visit pprm.org for the health center nearest you.