Sexual Discrimination in Employment
Equal employment opportunity is critical to gender equality, but workers still experience sex discrimination at work in both obvious and indirect ways.
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Cobalt believes that your healthcare is a human right. The more you know about your reproductive health, the better decisions you will be able to make. Cobalt is committed to providing accurate and timely information to help you learn more about your abortion rights, birth control laws in Colorado, STI and STD resources, and more.
Abortion laws and access to reproductive health care can vary greatly from state to state. Here is what you need to know about your rights in Colorado.
To see a list of abortion clinics we partner with, please visit the Cobalt Abortion Fund.
A law passed in 2016 allows pharmacists to prescribe and fill birth control prescriptions for people over the age of 18, without the need for a doctor visit. The process and participation can vary by pharmacy, so confirm with your local pharmacy beforehand.
If you don’t have insurance or your insurance doesn’t cover birth control, let your pharmacist know if you prefer a low-cost method; they can help you find one that will work for you. Most pharmacies offer birth control methods that cost less than $25 per month.
You can confidentially get contraception regardless of age and without parental permission.You can also get birth control online through sources like Nurx, etc.
There are several types of birth control you and your partner can receive to help you prevent pregnancy. Here are some resources to help empower you to make the best decision for your life.
For the most up to date information on forms of birth control, visit Bedsider.
Insurance Coverage: If you have qualifying insurance from the Health Insurance Marketplace (this includes most* employer-provided insurance and school insurance plans), you are entitled to coverage for all contraceptive methods and counseling for all women, as prescribed by a health care provider. Plans must cover these services without charging a copayment or coinsurance when provided by an in-network provider—even if you haven’t met your deductible. Visit healthcare.gov for more information.
The National Women’s Law Center has a free hotline 1-866-745-5497 if you are having problems getting your birth control without cost to you.
*If you work for a religious employer or a religious nonprofit, they are not required to provide this coverage. If you have questions about your coverage, talk to your employer or health plan provider.
A law passed in 2016 allows pharmacists to prescribe and fill birth control prescriptions for people over the age of 18 without the need for a doctor visit. The process and participation can vary by pharmacy so confirm with your local pharmacy beforehand.
You can use your insurance to pay for medications prescribed by a pharmacist. Most insurance plans cover birth control with no patient copay. If you don’t have insurance or your insurance doesn’t cover your birth control, let your pharmacist know if you prefer a low-cost method and they can help you find one that will work for you. Most pharmacies offer birth control methods that cost less than $25 per month.
Know your rights! If you are denied birth control coverage, you can learn more farther down this page or by visiting Bedsider.
To make sure you are going to a real clinic for abortion care, visit our Find Services page to see a list of abortion providers we partner with. To learn more about fake clinics also known as crisis pregnancy centers, or anti-abortion clinics, and their deceptive practices, visit Keep Abortion Safe.
Colorado trusts patients and providers on abortion care. We do not have mandatory counseling laws, mandatory ultrasound laws, gestational limits, or waiting periods.
If you are over the age of 18, you can obtain an abortion; most private insurance plans cover abortion so check with your insurer to see if you are eligible. Starting January 1st, 2025, all private health insurance plans in Colorado will be required to cover abortion without any deductibles, co-pays, or co-insurance.
If you are on Medicaid or are a Colorado state employee or have other state-funded insurance, you are not eligible for insurance coverage of your abortion unless:
If you are under the age of 18, Colorado law requires that you notify a parent or guardian. You do not need their permission, but they do need to be notified. If that is not possible, you are able to ask a judge for permission or get special permission if it is a medical emergency. This is called “judicial bypass.” Planned Parenthood offers a judicial bypass hotline to help you navigate the process.
You do not need parental notification if you are receiving an abortion because of abuse, assault, incest, or neglect.
Abuse and Coercion
Nobody should force you or pressure you to get an abortion or not get an abortion. Deciding what to do about a pregnancy is always your choice. If you are experiencing any type of coercion or abuse, please visit Love is Respect
1-866-331-9474 | 1-866-331-8453 or www.loveisrespect.org can be contacted any time of day or night
Financial Support
If you need help paying for an abortion, or the logistics to be able to get to your appointment, the Cobalt Abortion Fund can help. Cobalt Abortion Fund provides direct financial support for abortion care and practical support for clients being seen at one of our partner clinics. Visit our website to submit a funding intake form and to see a list of abortion clinics that we partner with.
Your Birth Control Options, Rights, Resources, How They Work, and How to Get It
Know What’s Out There
There are several types of birth control you and/or your partner can receive to help you prevent pregnancy. Here are some resources to help empower you to make the best decision for your life.
The law: The Health Coverage Prescription Contraceptives Supply requirements went into effect on January 1, 2019 and mandates insurance providers regulated by the State of Colorado, including Medicaid, who cover birth control to now provide coverage for a one time supply of 12-months’ worth of prescription contraceptive pills or patch, and for a 3-month prescription of the vaginal ring.
How does it work? Covered individuals can now receive a 12-month supply of their generic prescription contraceptive pill or patch after a 3-month trial of the prescription. A 3-month prescription of the vaginal ring will also be covered under this bill. Talk to your insurance plan, pharmacist, and doctor about this new change and how to receive a 12-month contraception prescription.
What forms of birth control are covered? Prescription generic contraceptives are forms of birth control that need continuous refills, such as oral contraceptive pills, the patch, and the ring. Bedsider can help you find a clinic and the method that fits your lifestyle.
What if I’m covered by Medicaid? Medicaid in Colorado covers all FDA approved contraception and will also provide a 12-month supply for all generic brands of oral contraceptive pills and the patch.
What if I lose my birth control? If you lose your birth control pills, patch, or ring, reach out to your insurance plan, pharmacist, or doctor immediately. You may not be able to get another 12-month supply for that year, but you will be able to get replacement medication.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Sexually Transmitted Infections
Information, Access, and Resources
Visit the resources below on STI testing, prevention, and care to learn more.
Cobalt works with trusted providers in and around Colorado to work towards abortion access for all. We do so by elevating the voices of healthcare professionals for pro-abortion legislation, by connecting providers with networking and educational opportunities, and by partnering with abortion clinics to provide direct financial assistance to abortion seekers.
Anyone and everyone who is scheduled at one of our partner clinics is eligible for funding support through the Cobalt Abortion Fund. We can help with travel costs, hotel bookings, childcare reimbursement, procedure funding , and more. Our application process is simple – just schedule your appointment with one of our partner clinics, fill out the intake form on our website, and we will be in touch!
Below are partners we work with that are trusted resources for your healthcare needs.