November Ballots Include Abortion Issues

"This is about a minority with an extreme political view," says Crystal Clinkenbeard from Protect Family, Protect Choices. "We are very gravely concerned."

Other abortion rights activists say they hope that the abortion legislation could backfire on right-wing activists.

"We think it works as an advantage to Obama. There are a lot of pro-choice Republicans in Colorado," says Ted Miller, the communications director of NARAL Pro-Choice America. "We go after pro-choice independent and Republican women. They will switch parties over an issue like this in a way they wouldn't for any other issue."

California's abortion-related ballot initiative is Sarah's Law, a parental notification requirement for minors.

"In California at the moment, daughters can't get their ears pierced without consent," says Grace Dulaney, spokeswoman for Friends of Sarah. "Parents have to go into a tanning salon and give written consent if girls are between 14 and 18. This is not about women's choice; it is about minor girls."

"This is a highly deceptive piece of legislation," said Kathy Kneer, the president and chief executive of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California. She said the law would prevent vulnerable teenagers from getting abortions.

Sarah's Law is named for an anonymous 15-year-old in Texas who died after a botched, secretive abortion.

"Sarah is one of many Sarahs," Dulaney said. "We can come up with case after case after case."