As a Unitarian Universalist, religious freedom and women’s rights are high priorities for me, so I am active in the Colorado Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.  As a member of its Board, I have come to understand the problems with Amendment 67, which will be on our ballot this November.  It appears simple, but would actually have far reaching, repressive repercussions.  I have been asked to speak and organize trainings to educate and invite donations (for TV ads, lawn signs, etc.) about this drastic challenge to a women’s reproductive rights.  By defining “person” and “child” in our state constitution and criminal code to include “unborn human beings,” Amendment 67 would make any abortion in the State of Colorado a crime, including in cases of rape, incest, and when a mother’s health is at risk.  It would make pregnant women and their doctors subject to criminal investigation, including when a woman has a miscarriage.  It would even restrict access to common forms of birth control.  Amendment 67 Goes Too Far.  And the electorate doesn’t know this; they have been lead to believe it is simply protecting pregnant women and unborn children.  (A recent House Bill, 13-1154, “Crimes Against Pregnant Women,” already does that without conferring “personhood, or any rights associated with that status, on a human being at any time prior to live birth,” and thereby not establishing one religious view as the law of the State.)  There is an urgent need to organize, educate, and fundraise for the No on 67 Campaign!  If you care to you can sign a pledge to oppose the Amendment, donate, or volunteer at their website: http://www.voteno67.com/.   Remember, “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.”

Stephan