JACKSON, Miss. (AP, abc24.com) - Mississippi's Republican governor, Haley Barbour, says the life-at-fertilization initiative on next week's state ballot is "ambiguous" and he's not sure whether he'll vote for or against it.
Initiative 26 seeks to amend the state constitution to declare that life begins when a human egg is fertilized.
Speaking with reporters Wednesday after a speech in Jackson, Barbour says he opposes abortion but thinks the proposal could have unintended consequences. For example, he says it's unclear whether the measure would hamper in vitro fertilization or limit medical treatment for women with ectopic pregnancies.
Barbour said he wishes the issue could've been handled through the Legislature rather than an initiative.
The proposed amendment has caused a rift among Mississippi religious groups, doctors and other health groups, and among abortion opponents.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
