Nevada court hearing 'personhood' measure appeal

LAS VEGAS (AP) - The Nevada Supreme Court is hearing arguments in Las Vegas about whether an initiative to reshape state abortion law should be allowed on the November ballot.

A ballot advocacy group called Personhood Nevada is asking the seven justices to overturn a lower court judge's ruling that the initiative petition is vague and violates state law limiting ballot questions to one subject.

The initiative would amend the state Constitution to define "personhood" as beginning at conception.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada and others argue the initiative hides its real intent - to ban abortions and restrict common forms of birth control.

An immediate ruling isn't expected. But the court has fast-tracked the case, facing a May 18 deadline for qualifying initiatives on the November ballot.