Human Life Amendment Threatens A Woman's Right to Choose
The recent ballot initiative,CI-100, introduced by Rep. Jore and now circulating throughout the state for signatures, signals a shift in the national debate over abortion rights.
The initiative declares a fertilized egg a "person" who enjoys "inalienable rights, equality of justice, and due process of law." Intended as a direct challenge to the 1973 landmark case legalizing abortion, Roe vs. Wade, the proposed amendment mentions nothing of the implications for banning abortion or some forms of birth control.
The impact on assisted fertilization methods, miscarriage, and ectopic pregnancy management are not completely clear.
Support for similar "personhood initiatives" is also developing in Colorado, Georgia, Mississippi, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Oregon. "What we're seeing now is not just the chipping away at protections of Roe v. Wade," says Nancy Northup, president of the Center for Reproductive Rights, "but a full-scale attempt...to recriminalize abortion."
Roe turns 35 January 22, 2008, and, according to a recent Gallup Poll, it has the support of 53 percent of Americans. But most also favor the types of incremental restrictions that have been won by antiabortion groups led by National Right to Life. The government restricts funding of abortions for women on Medicaid. Thirty-one states require counseling or a waiting period, while 44 states require parental notification for minors. And in 2008, the Supreme Court upheld the Federal Abortion Ban, once again setting a dangerous precedent for the privacy of medical decision making.
The future of reproductive justice is in our hands and needs our support as the States continue to battle over restrictive strategies. It is imperative that we begin to garner support on the basic premise of social justice and leave the specific decision making to the individual and medical professionals. Open the discussions with quiet supporters who need to understand the significance of these initiatives, before it's too late.
more places to get answers
We realize that attitudes regarding abortion, sexual health and diversity influence society and policy in the United States. There are numerous resources that provide education and information relevant to a variety of health care issues. Here are a few that may be helpful to you.
- The National Abortion Federation is a professional association of abortion providers in the U.S. and Canada. NAF issues clinical guidelines for abortion care, security support and works on the national level to address access and policy issues.
- The Guttmacher Institute is a social science research organization focused on sexual and reproductive health in U.S. and globally.
- The Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States is a national voice for sexual education, sexual health and sexual rights.
- NARAL Pro-Choice Montana is a grassroots network of pro-choice activists in Montana.
- Planned Parenthood Federation of America is a national reproductive health care advocate and Planned Parenthood of Montana is the statewide organization.
- Association of Reproductive Health Professionals is an educational organization geared to providers and patients. This site includes online publications and current research in sexual health.
- The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Reproductive Freedom Project provides detailed policy and legislative information on reproductive issues.
- For resources specific to youth check out Advocates for Youth's website.