Far-Reaching “Burton” Amendment Dangerous
As supporters submit signatures to the Secretary of States, doctors, nurses, and the rest of the Protect Families Protect Choices coalition vow to fight. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 13, 2008
CONTACT: Spokesperson: Toni Panetta, 626-676-3482
Press Secretary: Crystal Clinkenbeard, 720-989-7693 Denver, CO (May 13, 2008)—The Protect Families Protect Choices Coalition opposes a proposed constitutional amendment that would define a fertilized egg as a person. Today, supporters of the constitutional amendment submitted petitions to the Colorado Secretary of State in an effort to qualify for the November 2008 ballot. In response, the Protect Families Protect Choices coalition issued the following statement: “This amendment could make abortion illegal, even in cases of rape, incest, or when the life or health of a woman is at risk. Its backers are clear: their ultimate goal is overturning Roe v. Wade. Yet, the amendment is worded so vaguely that its true effect is difficult to predict. It may encroach on everything from birth control, to stem cell research, to inheritance rights,” said Toni Panetta, spokesperson for Protect Families Protect Choices, a broad-based, bi-partisan coalition of doctors, nurses, and advocates fighting the proposed amendment. It includes the League of Women Voters, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains and many others. “Rather than support this dangerous amendment, its backers should join Protect Families Protect Choices members in trying to reduce the number of unintended pregnancies through common-sense measures such as comprehensive sex education and access to contraception. “The Colorado Constitution was created to protect us. Amending it should not be taken lightly, and it should not be done at all for this deceptively written measure. Doctors, nurses, religious leaders, health care advocacy organizations, and community groups are joining our coalition every day to oppose this dangerous amendment. Protect Families Protect Choices vows to educate Colorado voters about this dangerous constitutional amendment. We’ll fight to protect health choices for Colorado’s women and families,” continued Panetta. Toni Panetta is available for additional comment at 626-676-3482. ### Protect Families Protect Choices is a broad-based, bi-partisan coalition of doctors, nurses, religious leaders, health care advocates, and community organizations fighting the November 2008 amendment. It includes the League of Women Voters, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains and many others. Colorado voters have been defeating measures designed to limit health choices for at least a decade. For more information about Protect Families Protect Choices contact campaign press secretary Crystal Clinkenbeard at 720-989-7693 or visit www.protectfamiliesprotectchoice.org.
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