SIGNED! Bill to Increase Access to Reproductive Health Care, Close Access Gaps

New law makes reproductive health care more accessible and affordable for all

DENVER, CO –  Legislation sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City, Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Reps. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, that improves access to reproductive health care, including abortion, and makes reproductive health care more equitable was signed into law today.

SB23-189 is part of the Safe Access to Protected Health Care package of legislation, and works in several ways to close gaps in accessing reproductive health care, including abortion.

“Every Coloradan deserves to be able to access the critical care they need, but for too many of our neighbors, barriers still exist that prevent them from accessing that care,” Moreno said. “This new law breaks down those barriers, especially for vulnerable communities, and helps ensure all our neighbors are able to get the life-saving care they need to thrive.”

“Under this law, it will be easier for all Coloradans, regardless of zip code or income level, to access the full spectrum of reproductive health care services,” said Michaelson Jenet. “I was privileged enough to pay for my own abortion out-of-pocket, but accessing the life-saving care you need shouldn’t be financially out of reach for Coloradans. Unlike other states across the nation, Colorado is securing and expanding access to reproductive health care, including abortion and STI treatments, not restricting it."

“Investing in all aspects of sexual and reproductive health care is the right thing to do, both socially and economically,” said Cutter. “It is in our best interest as a society to help prevent unintended pregnancies, improve maternal health and prevent and treat sexually transmitted infections. I am thrilled to champion this new law that will help build a healthier Colorado for everyone."

“Coloradans deserve access to the full range of reproductive health care, but systemic barriers rooted in racism and oppression can stand in the way,” said Garcia. “This law works to break down those accessibility barriers to receiving abortions, STI treatments and other forms of reproductive health care which are disproportionately placed on our most marginalized communities. Securing reproductive justice is vital for Coloradans to lead self-sufficient, prosperous lives and I’m beyond proud to bring us closer to achieving that goal.” 

SB23-189 limits surprise medical billing and removes patient cost sharing for reproductive health care services and treatment, including but not limited to sterilization, sexually transmitted infections (STI) and abortion care. 

This bill expands access to contraception and related information for all Coloradans by modernizing a 1971 law and aligning it with Colorado’s Public Health code, and increasing additional family-planning related services.  

Finally, SB23-189 prioritizes access to life-saving HIV medication by cutting red tape to allow any authorized provider, not only pharmacists, to offer the treatment.