By the Democratic Women’s Caucus of Colorado
Yesterday marked what would have been the 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Since Dobbs removed federal abortion protections, a dozen states have banned abortion outright, and many more have passed unprecedented restrictions, putting the reproductive rights of millions of Americans at risk.
The Democratic Women’s Caucus of Colorado passed the Reproductive Health Equity Act that became law in April 2022 because we knew it was likely that Roe v. Wade would be overturned. Codifying the right to abortion and reproductive health care in state law was the number one priority for our caucus because we strongly believe that all people deserve access to abortion care when they need it, on a timeline of their choosing, and in a community and an environment they trust and feel safe in. It is important to reassure every pregnant person and their family that their fundamental right to all abortion care and reproductive health care services remain legal in Colorado.
We stand on the shoulders of Colorado women who made our state the first to liberate abortion in the US. We’re honored to carry on this legacy for all people and families in our state who deserve safe and accessible health care services. We are making history in Colorado with more people who identify as women in the legislature than ever before. We also have the largest LGBTQ Caucus in the country and are proud to be allies.
As was always the case, abortion bans aren’t only about abortion — they’re about power and control. From attempting to limit out-of state travel to criminalizing pregnancy outcomes like miscarriages to restricting gender affirming care, efforts to control someone else’s body are deeply rooted in systems of oppression and systemic racism.
Abortion bans affect everyone, and nowhere are those effects more visible than on Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities, immigrants, LGBTQ people, youth, and people trying to make ends meet.
We envision a world where anyone who needs abortion care can get it without being shamed, punished, going broke, or putting their health at risk.
In the wake of Dobbs, we will continue to build something better than Roe, ensuring that abortion is accessible to all and that everyone has the ability to exercise their reproductive freedom.