The overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 returned the debate over abortion rights to state governments, after it was previously protected by the federal government. Following this, Colorado ruled to protect the right to abortion.
Currently in Colorado, a pregnancy can be terminated at any time, but state and local governments are prohibited from funding abortion except in cases where the woman’s life is in danger, or rape or incest has occurred.
Voting yes on amendment 79, the Right to Abortion and Health Care Coverage Initiative, would establish the right to abortion in Colorado’s constitution and repeal the current bans on funding, although it would not guarantee government funding.
Amendment 79 is a constitutional amendment intended to protect the right to abortion by preventing the state and local governments from “denying, impeding or discriminating against exercising that right” and repealing the existing constitutional ban on state and local government funding, such as Medicaid, for abortion services.
According to an article published by the Center for Reproductive Rights, “the highest rate of unintended pregnancy in the U.S. is among women 20-24 years of age – prime college ages.” In a world where reproductive rights are not guaranteed, 71% of enrolled and prospective college students reported that reproductive healthcare policies impacted their college decision with 80% preferring colleges in states with greater access.
Those who oppose the amendment argue that taxpayers should not have to fund services they morally object to, but according to the ballot information booklet, future funding choices would be dependent upon Colorado’s legislature and local governments. Because of this, the amendment currently has no estimated fiscal impact.
Voting no would maintain the state’s authority to determine the “legality of abortion” and continue the ban on state and local government funding. Opponents raise concerns that passing a broad amendment will prevent future policies intended to regulate abortion such as preventing abortions later in pregnancy.
The intent of amendment 79 is to protect women’s right to equal access healthcare, something these policies intend to prohibit. Opponents also argue that taxpayers should not have to fund procedures or policies they morally oppose; however, women’s healthcare should not have to adhere to other’s moral and religious standards.
Women and reproductive rights will be at risk until Colorado’s constitution recognizes abortion as an essential part of women’s health and provides women with the ability and tools (i.e. access to healthcare and insurance for abortion-related costs) to safely choose whether they will have an abortion.
When voting, I urge you to imagine a future where women’s healthcare is not guaranteed. Without amendment 79, policies can be passed that will regulate, and even entirely eliminate, abortion rights in Colorado. Pregnant lives will be at risk if there are complications and women will be forced to carry children that they do not want, cannot afford or that were forced upon them.
Vote yes on amendment 79 to ensure women retain autonomy over their reproductive choices.
Photo from The Scribe archives.