GULFPORT, MS (WLOX) -
Mississippi voters will elect state and county leaders on Tuesday, as well as decide three initiatives on the ballot. The most controversial one is initiative 26, or the Personhood Amendment.
A small group with the organization Pro Life Mississippi gathered on the corner of Highway 49 and Community Road Monday. They are encouraging people to vote yes on initiative 26. If passed, abortion would become illegal in Mississippi.
A national group called Personhood USA helped pro life forces in the state get the initiative on the ballot. They say Mississippi can make a statement to the rest of America.
"Mississippi has the opportunity to lead the nation and be the first to end abortion" according to Personhood USA spokesman Chet Gallagher.
Opponents say the measure raises serious questions about how it would impact women, the law and specific medical situations. Gallagher said legislators will have an opportunity to address some of those concerns.
"All the ambiguity will be cleared by lawmakers through enabling legislation," he said.
Supporters held signs, waved to motorists and passed out literature, including a list of what they say Mississippi Personhood will and will not do.
"It will end abortion and cloning. It will not stop contraceptives. It will not ban in vitro fertilization. Women with miscarriages will not be investigated. Those are lies and fear mongering."
The Personhood Amendment has failed twice in Colorado. It will likely be on the ballot in several states in 2012.
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