JACKSON, MS (WLBT) -
Mississippians vote on the Personhood Amendment next week.
Debates for and against the measure continued Monday.
At the State Capitol a group held a news conference in support of Initiative 26.
But opponents were there to speak out as well.
A group called Live Action, Initiative 26 supporters, attacked Planned Parenthood's funding sources and message.
Live Action accused Planned Parenthood of lying about the accessibility to birth control if the amendment passes.
Representatives played a video of alleged conversations with a woman calling various health departments, clinics and pharmacies asking if the birth control pill would be banned after the election.
The answers were no.
"We're fighting for the preservation of the unborn in the State of Mississippi, and we feel like that is a cause worth our strongest efforts and our most committed prayers and our untiring labors," said Yes On 26 Executive Director Brad Prewitt.
Religious and medical representatives along with U.S. Congressman Gregg Harper were among the amendment supporters.
Ashley Sigrest stepped to the podium, and she was raped at age 18 and regrets getting an abortion.
"My rapist didn't kill me. I'm standing here alive right now. I have three beautiful children at home and a husband who loves me, but I chose to kill my child out of shame, out of guilt of fear," said Sigrest.
Outside opponents protested on the Capitol lawn.
Members of Parents Against Mississippi 26, Hell No on Mississippi 26 and 27 and Jackson Area NOW voiced their opinions.
They said Personhood USA is manipulating Mississippians who can be Pro-Choice but against this initiative.
"This is not planned parenthood. We are parents. We're mothers. We're fathers. My husband's here. We want people to know there are unintended consequences that Amendment 26 goes too far," said Lori Garrett with Parents Against Mississippi 26.
The group said the amendment prohibits rape victims who want abortions from doing so, outlaws birth control, in-vitro fertilization and puts lives at stake.
"I oppose this because as a woman living in Mississippi I know what's best for me and my reproductive health. I'm an adult woman. I'm a taxpayer. I'm a citizen of this state, and I know what's best for me and my body," said Michelle Colon with Hell No MS 26/27.
"Mississippians understand that Initiative 26 could threaten birth control as even one of the spokespeople from Yes On 26 admitted today on NPR. Planned Parenthood's position on Amendment 26 is clear: we oppose Initiative 26 because it's government going to far, is harmful to women's health and wrong for Mississippi families," said Leola Reis V.P., External Affairs with Planned Parenthood Southeast, Inc..
The election is November 8th.
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