Colorado's Amendment 62 – The “Personhood” Ballot Measure

In Colorado, Amendment 62 has been placed on the 2010 ballot that would define a fetus as a human being and therefore not only outlaw abortion, but it would also ban many forms of birth control and some fertilization treatments. A similar amendment was defeated in 2008 by over 70% of Colorado voters. A poll conducted in late in 2009 by PNW indicated that many segments of the electorate – including many considered to be surge voters from 2008 – would be motivated to turn out to vote against this measure if it were to make it on the CO ballot in 2010.

In 2008 most Colorado Republicans opposed the Personhood measure. But, early in the primary election season this election cycle, most if not all of the major Colorado Republican candidates for office supported the “Personhood” measure in order to court support during the GOP primary. Poll after poll has shown that a majority of Coloradoans oppose this measure and we are seeing candidates in the general election back away from their earlier support of it. Project New West’s poll of early voters in Colorado shows that 60% of voters reject Amendment 62. Since his initial endorsement, U.S. Senate candidate Ken Buck has attempted to distance himself on this initial endorsement of this measure.