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DENVER, CO – The House today on a preliminary vote passed two bills to protect reproductive rights in Colorado. SB25-183 would update Colorado statute to reflect changes necessitated by the passage of Amendment 79. SB25-139 would strengthen Colorado’s shield law to protect patients and providers from out-of-state attacks on reproductive health care.
“Colorado voters have spoken – abortion must remain safe, legal and protected,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, sponsor of SB5-183. “Despite the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle abortion access or restrict funding altogether, Coloradans believe it’s your constitutional right to access the reproductive health care you need. This bill will expand access to life-saving reproductive health care, including abortion.”
“It’s our responsibility to implement the will of the voters, and that’s what this bill does by further protecting and increasing access to abortion in Colorado,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of SB25-183. “Nationally, the future of reproductive health care is uncertain, however, it’s clear Coloradans trust people to make their own medical decisions without government interference. This bill implements the will of the voters and reduces barriers so public employees can access the essential reproductive health care they need.”
“It’s time to fight back against out-of-state interference and Trump administration threats to restrict abortion and health care for LGBTQ+ Coloradans,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, sponsor of SB25-129. “Whether you're a Colorado resident or not, this shield law will protect your fundamental right to access the full range of reproductive health care, including abortion.”
“We’re reaffirming Colorado’s position as a sanctuary for safe, legal and protected reproductive health care by strengthening our shield laws,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, sponsor of SB25-129. “Our bill expands Colorado’s shield laws to include telehealth and prescription label privacy. In the face of hostile, out-of-state attacks on our reproductive rights, we’re making sure Colorado has the ability to fight back and protect our patients and providers.”
SB25-183 would implement the will of the voters by updating Colorado statute to reflect changes necessitated by Amendment 79’s passage. In November 2024, Colorado voters overwhelmingly approved Amendment 79 (62 percent of the vote statewide) to enshrine the right to abortion in the Colorado Constitution and remove the state’s prohibition on using public funds to cover abortion care.
Beginning on January 1, 2026, the bill would ensure that state employee health insurance plans cover abortion care and require the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to authorize reimbursements for abortion care under publicly funded insurance, including community members with coverage through Health First Colorado, and the Reproductive Health Care Program.
SB25-129 protects providers by allowing a practitioner to request to have their name excluded from a medication abortion label. Instead of their name, the prescription would list the prescribing health-care practice.
The bill would also prohibit Colorado entities, or a person or entity licensed or regulated by the state, from cooperating with hostile out-of-state investigations related to legally protected health care. Given recent legal action surrounding out-of-state abortion access, this bill fights back against hostile attacks to keep patients and providers safe while accessing legal health care.
Additionally, the bill would enhance privacy protections for patients by placing restrictions on health data collecting and published reports published by the Office of the State Registrar.