PROPOSITION 115: BANNING ABORTION AT 22 WEEKS

Proposition 114 would require the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission to create a plan to reintroduce and manage gray wolves — an endangered species — on designated lands west of the Continental Divide by the end of 2023.

Approval of this measure would direct Parks and Wildlife to rely on scientific data and hold hearings in developing and updating the plan. Parks and Wildlife also would be required to pay “fair compensation” to owners for losses of livestock caused by wolves.

Colorado’s last gray wolves were killed in the 1940s. Starting in 1995, wolves have been reintroduced in northern Rocky Mountain states, where they have made a comeback.

The case for: Proponents argue wolves will restore a natural ecological balance and help fight the chronic wasting disease afflicting Colorado’s deer and elk. They say deliberate wolf restoration is necessary to bring back wolves. Some 70 conservation groups support the measure.

The case against: Opponents argue that existing wildlife, including threatened and endangered species, would be put in danger. They contend wolves would threaten people, livestock and pets. Commissioners in 38 of Colorado’s 64 counties have opposed the measure.

Proposition 115 would prohibit women from getting abortions at 22 weeks or later, and it would make it illegal for a doctor to perform such a procedure in Colorado.

A doctor could face a misdemeanor for even attempting an abortion later in pregnancy and the loss of a medical license for at least three years. The only exception to the prohibition is if a mother’s life is in immediate jeopardy. In 2019, 170 — 1.9% of reported abortions — were performed after 21 weeks, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

The case for: Colorado is one of seven states without abortion restrictions. Babies born at 21 weeks have survived, and babies have developed significantly at 22 weeks.

Laws protect babies who are born but not those in a mother’s womb who “can be arbitrarily killed,” according to Due Date Too Late, which backs the issue. Proponents call the measure a balanced approach that doesn’t penalize mothers and protects unborn children.

The case against: The measure doesn’t make exceptions for rape or incest or a serious fetal abnormality. Colorado is considered a safe haven for women across the country to get legal and safe abortions.