HELENA – Abortion foes are getting closer to gathering signatures for a renewed attempt to change the Montana Constitution in their favor.
State election officials have approved the proposed language and forms to be used in gathering signatures.
The proposed 2012 ballot initiative would change the Montana Constitution provides to define person to “all human beings at every stage of development, including the stage of fertilization or conception.”
The proposal is considered a pathway to stiffer restrictions on abortion. Past efforts at the so-called “personhood” amendment have been stymied amid strong opposition from abortion-rights advocates.
Proposed constitutional changes face a high bar.
Supporters need to gather signatures from at least 10 percent of the voters in 40 legislative districts — or more than 48,000 total signatures.