Get Your Hands Off My Eggs

Why would two of our male democratic legislators in Georgia buy into a republican strategy to put a wedge issue on the November 2008 ballot-an issue that is sure to energize the republican base and make it harder for all Georgia democratic candidates to get elected? Oh, and did I mention that this a part of a national GOP strategy, right out the Rove playbook? That's right, the GOP is seeking to put this amendment on the ballot is several states, not just Georgia. So, why help them?

Mixed in with the water fight and the tax fight, during the next legislative session, Georgia women are going to be literally fighting for control of our eggs. Georgia republicans-with the help of two democratic co-sponsors-will try to pass legislation to put "The Personhood Amendment" or "Human Life Amendment" on the ballot in Georgia in November of 2008.

"The Human Life Amendment," is a constitutional amendment defining life as beginning at the moment of fertilization and offering constitutional protections to the fetus. This bill was introduced in March by a a bipartisan group of legislators that included democrats Hardie Davis and Rick Crawford. This bill, if passed, will not only impact a women's right to choose whether or not to have an abortion, but could also limit access to certain types of birth control, including the "morning after pill" and some types of IUD's. As a proposed constitutional amendment, this is clearly a wedge issue that Republicans are seeking to place on the 2008 ballot. It is the top legislative priority for Georgia Right to Life.

Some Georgia democrats are anti-choice, and some are pro-choice. There is room in our party for people who hold both positions. But this legislation is particularly horrid and would have uncertain legal implications for women if it were passed. Most of all, I can't understand why elected democrats would buy into a republican scheme to put this wedge issue on the ballot in 2008. This just doesn't make any sense.

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