Measure 1, the so-called “personhood amendment,” has the distinction of being the most purposefully ambiguous measure ever on a North Dakota ballot.
Put there by a misguided and manipulated majority of the Legislature, Measure 1’s seemingly simple and straightforward language is, in effect, an invitation to endless litigation. Moreover, it would allow the heavy hand of government to intrude needlessly into the most personal medical decisions made by families and individuals in consultation with doctors and, if desired, with clergy.
North Dakotans should vote a resounding “no” on Measure 1, thus ensuring that no government and no narrow religious mandate will interfere with private decisions that often must be made at the beginning of life and at the end of life.
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Proponents of the measure say it would do no such thing. Opponents say it certainly would. And therein rests another powerful reason to keep this squishy language out of the state Constitution. The very fact of sincere disagreement among lawyers and legal scholars confirms the measure’s flaws. Furthermore, medical professionals who are on the front lines of reproductive health and therapies, and provide palliative and hospice care, almost universally say the amendment would put government and lawyers between patient and doctor, between families and caregivers.
In other words, if North Dakotans are outraged by provisions of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) that allegedly erode the doctor-patient relationship, they should understand Measure 1 aims to do the same thing, but in a more sinister and stealthy manner.
When the proponents’ fact-starved rhetoric is swept aside, it is clear Measure 1 is part of a national strategy to use states to advance a narrow religious agenda. The group behind the North Dakota push is headquartered in Colorado, where it has had no success with similar measures. It also failed in Mississippi.
Out-of-state Personhood USA views North Dakota as a chance to use a state constitutional amendment as a legal vehicle to ride all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Gullible legislators got sucked in and put a measure on the ballot that insults the intelligence of thoughtful North Dakotans.
Measure 1 hides the seeds of a plague of legal nightmares. It also would guarantee extended heartache for North Dakotans who struggle daily with the lives and deaths of loved ones.
A convincing “no” against Measure 1 will ensure those decisions can be made without interference from church or state.
Endorsements represent the views of Forum Communications, the Herald’s parent company. This endorsement was written by The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead.
