Colorado Democrats are moving to recognize the anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision by designating Jan. 22 as “Reproductive Rights and Justice Day” in Colorado.
On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court overturned the precedent established by Roe with their decision in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. As a result, 12 states have banned abortion, and others have introduced gestation limits on abortion, from 6 weeks through viability. Only 9 states, including Colorado, have no gestational limit for abortion.
“As we mark the anniversary of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, we are reminded that the fight for the full spectrum of reproductive rights is far from over,” said Cobalt Advocates President Karen Middleton in a news release. “The loss of this fundamental protection for millions of Americans has only strengthened our resolve to ensure that every person has the autonomy and support they need to make decisions about their own bodies. We stand unwavering in our commitment to fighting for a future where reproductive freedom, including abortion care, is secure for all.”
Since the Dobbs decision, Colorado has passed legislation to protect abortion access, protect providers and patients from out-of-state prosecution with a shield law, and this year voters enshrined abortion access in the Colorado Constitution and removed an existing provision that prohibited the use of public funds for abortion.
“Coloradans just voted to enshrine the right to abortion care in our state constitution,” said Sen. Lisa Cutter (D-Jefferson County), co-chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, in a news release. “Today we honor the past and the landmark decision in Roe v. Wade while looking to the future, and our vision of true bodily autonomy, including abortion care access for all. We will continue to fight to protect abortion providers and those seeking health care in Colorado.”
Since the Dobbs decision, states that have enacted restrictions on abortion, like Texas and Idaho, have experienced an increase in maternal mortality rates and an exodus of OBGYNs.
“I have personal experience with the need for abortion care,” said state Sen. Dafna Michaelson Jenet (D-Commerce City) in a news release. “I lost my baby, but kept bleeding, and decided with the help of my family and support networks to end my pregnancy via abortion. I understand deeply how laws that deny access to abortion care put women’s lives in danger, and I will do everything I can as a legislator to protect this fundamental right that saved my life.”
According to yesterday’s news release, leaders of the Women’s Caucus and other members of the General Assembly plan to introduce a package of bills that will implement Amendment 79, add emergency reproductive medical care standards, and provide additional protections for patients and providers in response to the new federal administration.
“Donald Trump and the Republican Party’s overturning of Roe v. Wade is an assault on personal freedoms that has endangered women’s lives across the country and forced too many women and families into hardship,” said Shad Murib, Chair of the Colorado Democratic Party, in a news release. “Thankfully, Colorado voters and lawmakers have enshrined this right, and women across the country deserve the same protection of our freedoms that we have here in our state.”
