In a great victory for reproductive rights advocates, Colorado voters will have the opportunity to enshrine abortion rights into the state constitution this fall following a successful petition drive that garnered over 225,000 signatures.
This development marks a crucial milestone in the national push for abortion rights as states across the country grapple with the aftermath of the US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v Wade in 2022.
The Colorado measure, which officially made the ballot on Friday, would safeguard access to abortion at all stages of pregnancy, building on the state’s existing laws that allow abortion up until birth.
Ballot Measure on Abortion Rights Clears Hurdle, Heads to Colorado Voters
This move comes as a stark contrast to the 14 Republican-controlled states that have implemented total abortion bans and the 23 states that have introduced new restrictions since the Supreme Court’s decision. In contrast, most Democratic-led states have enacted laws or executive orders to protect access to abortion.
The Colorado ballot measure would also mandate that Medicaid and private health insurers cover abortion services, a crucial provision that would ensure access to reproductive healthcare for low-income individuals and those with private insurance.
Supporters of the measure have expressed optimism about its chances, given the strong support for reproductive rights in the state. The measure will require the support of 55% of voters to amend the state constitution.
In contrast, a rival measure aimed at banning abortion failed to gather enough signatures and will not appear on the ballot. The news in Colorado follows a similar announcement in South Dakota, where voters will also decide on abortion rights this fall.
