Opponents of an initiative that would define a fertilized egg as a person in the state constitution gathered yesterday to argue that the amendment would turn average doctors into outlaws, clog the courts with unnecessary cases and restrict critical health care to women.
The launch of the No on 48 campaign yesterday included doctors, community activists, religious leaders and parents who all said the amendment would irreversibly damage the lives of countless citizens.
Amendment 48 would essentially ban abortions in Colorado, and could set a precedent for cases across the country.
“There would be no exceptions, even for a woman who is the victim of rape or incest, or whose life is in danger,” said Fofi Mendez, No on 48 campaign director.
Ryan Osmond and his wife, Paula, spoke about how in vitro fertilization was the only way they could have their 21-month-old daughter, Claire, who was in attendance yesterday. After several attempts, the couple finally succeeded with the help of fertility doctors. But they say fertility health care would be challenged if Amendment 48 is approved by voters this November.
“If these microscopic fertilized eggs have constitutional rights, anything that puts that egg at risk could be a criminal violation, even if the goal is the undeniable social good of helping a loving couple have a baby,” said Ryan Osmond as his baby, Claire, giggled with a “No on 48” campaign sign in the background.
Doctors sound warnings
Doctors said treatments for illnesses like cancer or emergency procedures during pregnancy could become illegal if the amendment passes. Because chemotherapy could damage a fertilized egg, some health professionals might question prescribing the treatment to pregnant patients, said Dr. Andrew Ross, chair of the Colorado Gynecological-Obstetrical Society executive committee.
He told the story of once saving the life of a woman who was having an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy where the fertilized egg became lodged in the fallopian tubes. The egg ruptured and the woman was one step away from death before Ross was able to save her life.
“I was able to save her life because I was able to operate,” he said. “But we didn’t have an attorney on call, and if I had to consult with a lawyer and a judge, I’m not sure I would have been able to save that woman’s life.”
Ross added that because birth control alters the lining of the uterus where a fertilized egg would be implanted, routine birth control could also be made illegal.
“It lays the groundwork to illegalize routine treatments,” he said.
Fixated on ‘side issues’?
Kristi Burton, spokeswoman for Colorado Equal Rights, the organization spearheading the initiative, said she is “disappointed” opponents are focusing on “side issues” rather than the issue of defining a fertilized egg as a person.
“These are hysterical scare tactics. They’re trying to make women think that Amendment 48 would endanger their lives,” she said. “That is certainly not the case.”
Some doctors support A-48
Burton said her campaign has several doctors of its own who support the personhood amendment. She understands that the issue will be challenged in Colorado courts, but called that a “natural consequence” of what happens when an amendment is passed.
“The real question is when does life begin. And they don’t want to talk about that,” said Burton.
Dozens of opponents — mostly women — held “No on 48” signs and cheered when speakers pointed out the possible consequences of the amendment. Twenty-two-year-old Keira Stearns said that as a woman, the issue hits her on a very personal level.
“I’m a staunchly pro-choice woman, and I believe that women should have the rights to make these decisions with their families, their doctors and their personal gods, that work best for their lives,” she said.
Jeremy Shaver, with the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado, agreed with Stearns, arguing that the issue should be a personal choice without government interference.
Faith groups don’t support it?
“Amendment 48 is not supported by many people of faith,” he said. “A family facing a medical crisis — like a mother with two school-aged children who learns that she is pregnant and has cancer, or a rape victim who learns that her assault resulted in a pregnancy — should be able to rely on their doctors, and their pastors, and their clergy for guidance. Not the government, courts and lawyers.”
