Planned Parenthood Statement about the Defeat of the "Personhood" Ballot Initiative in Mississippi
For Immediate Release: Jan. 30, 2014
MEMPHIS, TN — Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region (PPGMR) praises the voters and grassroots activists in Mississippi who defeated ballot initiative 26, the so-called “personhood” amendment in Mississippi last night. The defeat of the initiative is a victory for women and families everywhere.
Mississippi voters rejected the amendment because they understood that it would have allowed government to interfere in the most intimate personal health decisions of women and families—decisions that are best left up to an individual woman, her family, and her doctor in accordance with her faith.
PPGMR is proud to have been a part of the Mississippians for Healthy Families Coalition, which ran a campaign to educate voters about the dangerous impacts the amendment would have on women’s health. Polling showed that in the final days leading up to the vote, support for initiative 26 dropped to below 50 percent.
In what is considered the most conservative state in the nation, voters of all political persuasions rejected this dangerous measure. Mississippians from all walks of life, medical professionals, clergy, parents and women and men of all ages spoke out in opposition to the amendment.
This initiative was defeated through the tireless efforts of grassroots activists across Mississippi. PPGMR applauds their tenacious and passionate dedication to the cause that won this fight for the women and families of Mississippi.
Mississippi is now the second state to reject “personhood.” Colorado defeated a “personhood” amendment by wide margins in 2008 and 2010.
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Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region (PPGMR), founded in 1938, is an affiliate of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. PPGMR’s mission is to ensure broad public access to reproductive and related health care through clinic services, education, advocacy and community partnerships in serving 42 counties in West Tennessee, North Mississippi and East Arkansas.
Source
Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region
Contact
Joan Carr
Director of Community Affairs
(901) 725-3008
Published
November 09, 2011