If enacted, HB 1079 would significantly alter state laws concerning abortion and prenatal rights. It explicitly states that any existing laws related to prenatal homicide and abortion are superseded if they conflict with this bill. The state would be required to enforce homicide and assault provisions without regard to federal decisions such as Roe v. Wade, directly challenging judicial authority and placing state law above federal mandates concerning abortion rights.
Summary
House Bill 1079 aims to abolish abortion in Colorado by defining an unborn child as a person from the moment of fertilization until natural death. The legislation intends to grant unborn children the same legal protections under homicide and assault laws as other human persons. The bill reflects a strong belief in the sanctity of life and seeks to recognize the personhood of the unborn, aligning with the legislative declaration which emphasizes the protection of innocent life.
Contention
The bill is likely to spark significant debate and controversy, particularly concerning its implications for reproductive rights and medical practices surrounding abortion. Opponents may argue that the bill undermines women’s rights and does not consider the complexities of cases such as those involving rape or the health of the mother. Furthermore, the bill's intention to subject Colorado judges to impeachment or removal for not adhering to this act raises concerns about judicial independence, posing questions about the balance of power between state and federal laws.