Under the plan by Sen. Joey Fillingane, R-Sumrall, it would be the policy of Mississippi to “protect the life of every unborn child from conception to birth, to the extent permitted by the federal Constitution.”
The “personhood” amendment that was rejected by 58 percent of Mississippi voters last year would have defined life as beginning at fertilization. Opponents worried it would restrict in-vitro fertilization, endanger women with ectopic pregnancies or outlaw some types of birth control.
Fillingane told The Associated Press on Tuesday that he doesn’t expect his amendment to even get on the ballot this fall. He said he filed it Monday as a place-holder, in case some lawmakers want to move forward with it at some point during the four-month session that ends in early May.
Thursday is the deadline for lawmakers to request the drafting of general bills or constitutional amendments to be considered this session.
“I personally think more than likely what you will see with the Legislature is there are a whole number of bills dealing with regulations of the doctors who perform abortions and admitting privileges and all those kinds of things,” Fillingane said.
Clarion Ledger
2/15/12
