LETTER: Constitution Party ballot initiative insults women

By Tannis Hargrove - 01/10/2008

The Women’s Movement began in 1848, and with the 160th anniversary of women’s rights upon us, I have begun to wonder: When did we stop trusting women? More specifically, when did we stop trusting the women of Montana?

I am deeply concerned about living in a state that would consider a ballot initiative that would criminalize women for making heartfelt, thought-out decisions regarding their personal health. The Constitution Party, a fringe group responsible for such a ballot initiative, seems to feel that women need government intervention in order to make decisions affecting their personal lives.

Last time I checked, I was perfectly capable of making decisions regarding my own body, and the choice should be mine to make. The completely radical Constitution Party of Montana is proposing an amendment to the state constitution such that embryos have a paramount right to life and all other rights within the Montana Constitution.

This would mean a mother’s choice and her health would come second to the rights of an embryo. This also means that the Constitution Party does not trust the women of Montana to make decisions, and it is a direct insult to women and families everywhere. I trust the women of Montana, with the advice of their doctors, to make informed and appropriate decisions about their lives and health. Government has no place in personal decisions, particularly those surrounding family.

In the coming months, the Constitution Party will need to gather about 45,000 signatures across the state. I’ll be standing together with the people of Montana by not signing my name to a document that devalues women and families, as well as strips them of rights they have fought for decades to obtain. I hope you’ll do the same.

Tannis Hargrove 1624 S 14th St. West Missoulla