‘Unborn human beings’ could be on 2014 ballots

A ballot measure about crimes and pregnant women could be on 2014 Colorado ballots.

Anti-abortion backers turned in signatures Monday to petition a measure onto ballots. The question would direct state lawmakers to add “unborn human beings” to state criminal code.

Supporters say that state law doesn’t adequately punish crimes against pregnant women.

The measure is different than previous attempts to add so-called “personhood” measures to the constitution. Those measures have failed twice in Colorado.

Abortion-rights advocates say the ballot measure under consideration this year still goes too far. They say the criminal code could curb abortion rights and some infertility treatments.

The secretary of state has 30 days to determine whether enough signatures were turned in to put the question on 2014 ballots.