Victory in Colorado: Citizens Vote "NO" on Personhood Amendment

by Roxann MtJoy · 2010-11-05 09:07:00 UTC
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Earlier this autumn, I told you about Amendment 62 — otherwise known as the personhood initiative — on the Colorado ballot that threatened to strip women of their right to choose (even in the case of rape or incest), ban morning-after birth control, and outlaw embryonic stem cell research. Thankfully, one of the bright spots in the election this past Tuesday was the news that this amendment failed to pass.

The defeat of Amendment 62 was a victory, not only for the voters of Colorado, but for the members of the Change.org community who petitioned state lawmakers to voice their opposition to the frightening, anti-choice ballot measure.

Despite voters rejecting the amendment by a resounding 3 to 1 margin, supporters of the initiative say that they are "excited to try again next election." Considering that this is already the second time the measure was defeated — it was first on the ballot in 2008 — I have to agree with "No on 62" campaign director Fofi Mendez when she asks, "What part of 'no' don't they understand?"

While a celebration is in order, don't let it get too out of hand. Anti-choicers are preparing to continue this battle, not only in Colorado, but in other states. It is already scheduled to be on the ballot in Mississippi next year. Just as those who support these extreme measures refuse to give up, neither can those who support a woman's right to choose.

Photo credit: Rob Boudon

Roxann MtJoy is a freelance writer who previously worked as a case manager at a domestic violence shelter. She is currently attending graduate school for theater in Mount Vernon, N.Y.

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