For Immediate Release:
January 8, 2025

For More Information:
Laura K Chapin
Media Communications Director, Cobalt
(303) 954-8416
Laura@cobaltadvocates.org

Denver – As the 2025 General Assembly convenes today, Cobalt welcomes new members and the opportunity for Colorado to once again be a national leader on abortion access.

“By passing Amendment 79, Coloradans overwhelmingly backed putting abortion rights into the Colorado Constitution,” said Cobalt President Karen Middleton. “And by removing a ban on public insurance coverage for abortion care, they helped ensure more equitable access to health care. We look forward to working with Members of the General Assembly to implement the will of the voters, fully fund reproductive health care, and expand abortion access for all.”

In addition to implementing Amendment 79, Cobalt anticipates collaborating with legislators on bills strengthening Colorado’s abortion access shield law, and a state version of the federal Emergency Medical Treatment & Labor Act (EMTALA) to ensure all patients have access to health care in the emergency room, including abortion care. States with abortion bans have challenged EMTALA’s required coverage of abortion care.

“Colorado must continue to be a national leader on abortion access, no matter what challenges we face in the national landscape,” concluded Middleton. “It is fundamental to our shared values as Coloradans that bodily autonomy is a human right, abortion is health care, and health care must be equitable and available for all.”

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Cobalt is a grassroots, statewide Colorado organization that advances abortion access and reproductive rights. Our organization began in 1967 when Colorado became the first state to allow safe, legal abortion. Cobalt believes nothing should stand between you and your health decisions, which is why we are dedicated to fighting for systems, structures and policies that protect reproductive rights and guarantee comprehensive, universal access to reproductive healthcare, including abortion.