Suit Seeks To Block Miss. 'Personhood' Initiative

JACKSON, Miss. - Opponents have filed a lawsuit seeking to block a Mississippi "personhood" initiative that would define life as beginning at conception.

The proposed constitutional amendment is set to be on the November 2011 statewide ballot.

Robert McDuff of Jackson was one of the attorneys suing the state on behalf of two Lafayette County residents. The lawsuit was filed last week in Hinds County.

McDuff says if a fertilized human egg were entitled to due process, some doctors might fear being sued over fertility treatments or measures they'd take to save a woman's life after a miscarriage.

Abortion opponent Les Riley of Pontotoc led the effort to put the issue on the ballot, saying he wants all humans to have equal protection.