For Immediate Release:
April 4, 2025
For More Information:
Laura K Chapin
Media Communications Director, Cobalt
(303) 954-8416
Laura@cobaltadvocates.org
LEGISLATION PUTTING WILL OF COLORADO VOTERS ON CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO ABORTION IN EFFECT PASSES CRITICAL VOTE IN COLORADO HOUSE
SB 183 Implements 2024’s Amendment 79, Backed by 62% of Coloradans Statewide
Denver – SB 183, Coverage for Pregnancy-Related Services, passed a critical second reading vote in the Colorado House of Representatives today. It now awaits a third reading and final vote in the House. It passed the Colorado State Senate on March 12.
The legislation implements Colorado’s 2024 Right to Abortion ballot measure, Amendment 79, putting abortion rights in the state constitution. Amendment 79 won with 62% of the vote statewide, and won a majority in all eight of Colorado’s Congressional Districts.
According to Cobalt President Karen Middleton, “Today is a win for every Coloradan who voted yes on Amendment 79. Today is a win for every Coloradan who needs and deserves equal access to abortion care. Colorado voters gave a clear mandate on November 5: abortion rights belong in the Colorado Constitution, and abortion access should not depend on the source of someone’s insurance, whether it’s public or private.
“SB 183 puts the will of Colorado voters into practical effect. With SB 183, Coloradans codified our shared values that bodily autonomy is a human right, abortion is health care, and health care must be equitable and available for all. “
As a practical matter, SB 183 will put into place the mechanisms necessary for public insurance plans to include abortion care as a covered service. State public employees already pay insurance premiums, so SB 183 ensures that abortion care, like other reproductive health care, is part of their overall plan.
Private insurance plans are already required to include abortion care under a 2023 law, SB 189, that took effect Jan. 1.
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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.