Bill to Strengthen Shield Protections for Reproductive Health Care Passes Senate

SB25-129 would protect patients and providers from hostile out-of-state attacks on reproductive health care

DENVER, CO – A bill to protect Coloradans’ rights and freedoms by strengthening legal protections for reproductive health care passed the Senate today.  

SB25-129, sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Senator Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, would strengthen Colorado’s shield laws to protect patients and providers from out-of-state and federal attacks on reproductive health care. 

“We have worked hard in Colorado to protect the freedom to decide what to do with our futures and our bodies, and we won’t allow anyone to put these freedoms in danger,” said Cutter. “As attacks on reproductive rights continue across the country, we are working to implement strong and responsive laws in Colorado to shield health care patients and providers from hostile out-of-state action.”

“Colorado is a beacon for reproductive freedom and access to abortion in our region,” said Winter. “Strengthening our shield law would expand protections for patients, providers, and helpers against interstate criminal and civil threats. These measures, like prescription label privacy, telehealth protections, and robust legal safeguards, will ensure that Colorado remains a national leader for reproductive health care and freedom.” 

The bill would protect providers by allowing their name to be excluded from a medication abortion label and requiring subpoena requests to include an affirmation that they do not pertain to legally protected health care. The bill would also prohibit attorneys, local governments, and state entities like hospitals, clinics, businesses and insurers from complying with hostile out-of-state investigations and would strengthen enforcement and compliance mechanisms. 

Finally, the bill would update Colorado’s 2024 telehealth law to clarify that out-of-state health care providers offering telehealth services to Colorado patients are protected under the state’s shield law. 

In 2023, Colorado Democrats passed legislation to establish shield laws to protect health care providers and people who travel to Colorado for abortion or gender-affirming care from out-of-state lawsuits and criminal prosecution. 
 
The bill now moves to the House for further consideration. Track SB25-129’s progress HERE.