Current legal protections and ongoing legislation for pregnant people and reproductive rights
Amendment 79
In the November 2024 Election, Colorado voters approved Amendment 79 by 62%, which added to the state constitution a constitutional right to abortion.
Amendment 79 enacted the following measures:
- Repealed previous state constitutional amendment that prohibited the use of public funds to pay for abortions
- Recognizes the right to an abortion across the state of Colorado
- Prohibits Colorado state and local governments from denying, impeding, or discriminating against the exercise of the right to abortion
- Prohibits health insurance companies from excluding coverage for abortion
Ongoing Legislation for Reproductive Rights
There are several bills currently in the legislative process that would expand or ensure protections for reproductive rights:
SB25-183 “Coverage for Pregnancy-Related Services”
Sponsored by Senators Robert Rodriguez & Lindsey Daugherty and Representatives Lorena García & Julie McCluskie
Would make necessary changes to state law to conform to Amendment 79 by:
- Requiring state authorization for Medicaid reimbursement for family-planning related services
- Expanding the definition of “family-planning-related services” to include abortion care
- Requiring abortion care be added to the schedule of health-care services available for pregnant persons enrolled in the children’s basic health plan
STATUS: Passed Second Reading in the Senate
SB25-129 “Legally Protected Health-Care Activity Protections”
Sponsored by Senators Faith Winter & Lisa Cutter and Representatives Junie Joseph and Karen McCormick
This bill would:
- Allow providers’ names to be excluded from medication abortion labels
- Prohibit compliance with out-of-state investigations that undermine legally protected health care in Colorado
- Expand protections for telehealth services
- Strengthen legal safeguards against abusive subpoenas
STATUS: Passed Second Reading in the Senate
SB25-130 “Providing Emergency Medical Services”
Sponsored by Senators Julie Gonzales & Mike Weissman and Representatives Meg Froelich and Yara Zokaie
This bill affirms that:
- Emergency medical providers must offer life-saving care, including abortion and miscarriage care, without delay or uncertainty.
- Patients have a right to receive necessary emergency treatment under clear state protections.
- Payment details must be handled after emergency care is rendered.
STATUS: In Senate Committees