The following statement by Planned Parenthood CEO & President Vicki Cowart in Opposition to SB 125 was released yesterday:
“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.”
