JOINT RELEASE: Pair of Bills to Safeguard Access to Reproductive Health Care Signed Into Law

SB25-129 strengthens Colorado’s shield laws while SB25-183 implements the will of the voters to protect the right to reproductive health care

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law to protect Coloradans’ access to reproductive health care. 

SB25-183, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, and Senator Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, and House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and Representative Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County, implements the will of the voters by updating Colorado statute to reflect changes necessitated by Amendment 79’s passage, including removing the prohibition on using public funds to cover abortion care.

“Colorado voters have once again reaffirmed their support for freedom to make decisions about their bodies and their futures,” Rodriguez said. “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.”

“It’s our responsibility to implement the will of the voters, and that’s what this law does by further protecting and increasing access to abortion in Colorado,” said McCluskie. “Nationally, the future of reproductive health care is uncertain, however, it’s clear Coloradans trust people to make their own medical decisions without government interference. This law implements the will of the voters and reduces barriers so public employees can access the essential reproductive health care they need.”

“Coloradans deserve the freedom to make their own health care decisions and choices about when to start a family – full stop,” Daugherty said. “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.”

“Colorado voters have spoken – abortion must remain safe, legal and protected,” said García. “Despite the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle abortion access or restrict funding altogether, Coloradans believe it’s your constitutional right to access the reproductive health care you need. This law will expand access to life-saving reproductive health care, including abortion, by covering these services for public employees and Coloradans on Medicaid.”

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. The amendment was supported by a majority of votes in each of the state’s eight congressional districts.

Beginning on January 1, 2026, the law will 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 (Colorado’s Medicaid program), and the Reproductive Health Care Program.

SB25-129, sponsored by Senate Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Senator Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, and Representatives Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, and Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, strengthens Colorado’s shield laws to protect patients and providers from out-of-state and federal attacks on reproductive and gender-affirming 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,” Cutter said. “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.”

“It’s time to fight back against out-of-state interference and Trump administration threats to restrict abortion and health care for LGBTQ+ Coloradans,” said McCormick. “Whether you're a Colorado resident or not, this shield law will protect your fundamental right to access the full range of reproductive health care, including abortion.”

“Colorado is a beacon for reproductive freedom and access to abortion in our region,” said Winter. “Strengthening our shield law will 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.”

“We’re reaffirming Colorado’s position as a sanctuary for safe, legal and protected reproductive health care by strengthening our shield laws,” said Joseph. “Our law expands Colorado’s shield laws to include telehealth and prescription label privacy. In the face of hostile, out-of-state attacks on our reproductive rights, we’re making sure Colorado can fight back and protect our patients and providers.” 

The new law protects 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 law also bars attorneys, local governments, and state entities like hospitals, clinics, businesses and insurers from assisting with or responding to hostile out-of-state investigations and would strengthen enforcement and compliance mechanisms. 

Finally, the law updates 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.