Senate Advances Gonzales, Jaquez Lewis Bill to Protect Reproductive Health Care Patients and Providers, Ensure Access to Critical Care

Legislation will shield legally-protected health care providers, patients and helpers

DENVER, CO – The Senate today advanced legislation sponsored by Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, that establishes that criminal prosecutions for receiving, providing, or assisting with legally-protected health care – including abortion and gender-affirming care – will not be recognized by the state of Colorado.

SB23-188 also prevents Colorado from recognizing or enforcing civil lawsuits concerning protected health care that are penal in nature or without jurisdiction, and prevents Colorado state employees from participating in or assisting with interstate investigations or divulging information concerning protected health care.

“The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade unleashed a wave of anti-abortion legislation across the country, and it’s putting Coloradans' ability to access critical reproductive and gender-affirming care in jeopardy,” Gonzales said. “Any barrier to health care in our state is unacceptable and puts lives at risk. This bill will protect the people who both seek and provide that care in our state, and will ensure that Coloradans can continue to access the life-saving care they need to thrive.”

"We must do everything we can to protect vital health care professionals in Colorado,” said Jaquez Lewis. “As a pharmacist, if I dispense certain drugs that are considered abortion care medication in repressive states, I could be extradited, charged with homicide and fined hundreds of thousands of dollars. I am very concerned that without the protections in this bill, health care experts will not feel safe making medically necessary decisions."

SB23-188 will now be heard on third reading before moving to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.