As part of their self-described "guerilla warfare"¹ strategy, anti-choice groups are advancing so-called "personhood" measures as a major tactic in their quest to outlaw abortion.

What are "personhood" measures?
Each state's measure is a little different, but most attempt to redefine "personhood" either by creating a legal definition for when life begins or by giving legal rights to a fertilized egg. These measures could effectively outlaw abortion and eliminate the constitutional rights we won in Roe v. Wade.

In addition to outlawing abortion, "personhood" measures could lead to bans on many common forms of birth control, and on stem-cell research and in-vitro fertilization.

Pro-Choice Victory in Colorado
In November 2008, Coloradans voted on the first "personhood" ballot measure. Voters recognized it as extreme and outside the mainstream measure, rejecting it by an overwhelming 73 to 27 percent margin. NARAL Pro-Choice Colorado and its partner organizations were instrumental in securing this victory.

Anti-Choice Forces are Not Deterred
Despite their clear rejection by Colorado voters, anti-choice groups and their allies continue working to advance "personhood" measures in at least 16 states. Personhood USA is one such organization dedicated to moving forward this strategy to ban abortion. Legislators in North Dakota, Montana, Maryland, Alabama, and South Carolina have already introduced bills.

What You Can Do

• Sign up for our email list so you can stay up to date on threats across the country and learn about actions you can take.
• Keep in touch by joining us on Facebook, MySpace, or Twitter.
• Visit your NARAL Pro-Choice America state affiliate to learn about what's happening in your state.

1 "Pro-Lifers In Obamaland," Newsweek.com, January 27, 2009, http://www.newsweek.com/id/181786 (last visited March 30, 2009)