JOINT RELEASE: Bill to Implement Voter-Approved Protections for Abortion Care & Pregnancy-Related Services Introduced in Senate

DENVER, CO – Legislation to implement voter-approved protections for abortion care and pregnancy-related services was introduced in the Senate yesterday.

In November 2024, Colorado voters overwhelmingly approved Amendment 79 to enshrine the right to abortion in the Colorado Constitution and remove the state’s prohibition on using public funds to cover abortion care.

Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, Senator Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, Speaker of the House Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and Representative Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, SB25-183 would implement the will of the voters by updating Colorado statute to reflect changes necessitated by Amendment 79’s passage.

“Colorado voters have once again reaffirmed their support for freedom to make decisions about their bodies and their futures,” said Rodriguez. “Our state has a long history of standing up for reproductive health care freedoms, and this represents another chapter in that story. I am honored to sponsor this legislation that implements the will of the voters and ensures reproductive health care is protected in both our state law and our constitution.”

“Colorado Democrats believe you should decide what’s right for your body and your future, and voters agree, abortion must remain legal and protected in Colorado,” said McCluskie. “Given the uncertain future of abortion access in our nation, Colorado Democrats stepped up in recent years to protect reproductive health care in our state. Now, we’re building upon those efforts by upholding the will of the voters to protect your fundamental right to access abortion care.” 
 
“Coloradans deserve the freedom to make their own health care decisions and choices about when to start a family – full stop,” said Daugherty. “Amidst a dangerous national landscape, we have worked hard to ensure that Colorado is a beacon for access to safe and affordable reproductive health care. Last November, Coloradans resoundingly voted to build on that work and permanently protect the fundamental right to abortion care in our state’s constitution.”

“It’s clear – Coloradans believe it is your constitutional right to access the full range of reproductive health care, including abortion,” said Garcia. “Despite the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle abortion care and access, Colorado remains a beacon for reproductive freedom. This bill upholds the will of the voters by ensuring your fundamental right to access reproductive health care is never ripped away.” 

Beginning on January 1, 2026, the bill would ensure that state employee health insurance plans cover abortion care and require the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to authorize reimbursements for abortion care under publicly funded insurance, including community members with coverage through Health First Colorado, and the Reproductive Health Care Program.

SB25-183 has been assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee and will be scheduled for its first committee hearing in the coming weeks. Track its progress HERE.