Bismarck, N.D. (AP) North Dakota voters are being asked to vote on a right-to-life amendment that would be the first in the nation to declare in a state constitution that life begins at conception.
The measure, which is sparking debate statewide, would require the "inalienable right to life'' at "any stage of development.''
Supporters say it's meant to protect the state's stringent abortion laws from judicial activism.
Those against the measure believe the vague wording could affect birth control, end-of-life decisions and in vitro fertilization.
Republican State Senator Margaret Sitte sponsored the resolution and at first said it was meant to be a challenge to the U.S. Supreme Court's 1973 Roe Versus Wade ruling. But now, she says the resolution's intent is simply to "protect laws the legislature has put in place.''