Statement by Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains CEO & President Vicki Cowart in Opposition to SB 125

DENVER – “Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains opposes Senate Bill 125, which in its current form, would create fetal ‘personhood’ by creating a new class of victim for a fetus.

“Simply put, SB 125 aims to establish fetal ‘personhood’ by declaring a fertilized egg, embryo, or fetus capable of being the independent victim of a criminal offense.

“Colorado voters overwhelming defeated two similar fetal ‘personhood’ ballot initiatives in the 2008 and 2010 elections, rejecting the measures by 3-to-1 margins both times.  Coloradans recognized that this idea could have far-reaching and undesirable consequences like prohibiting medical care for which a woman has consented—including abortion and in vitro fertilization.

“SB 125 will open the door to difficult constitutional issues Colorado voters resoundingly rejected in the 2008 and 2010 elections.  Colorado voters have clearly spoken on this issue and know that such measures under the guise to help women are actually harmful to women.

“Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains firmly believes that it is irresponsible and disrespectful of the proponents of this dangerous legislation to ignore the will of the Colorado voters and continue to push for an extreme social agenda.  It’s hard to believe that at a time when lawmakers have said they are committed to creating jobs and improving the economy, they continue to revisit these divisive, ideological debates.”