Colorado House debates Senate Bill 183 on abortion funding and pregnancy services

The Colorado House convened on April 6, 2025, for Legislative Day 089, where significant discussions centered around Senate Bill 183, which proposes coverage for certain pregnancy-related services, including abortion care. The meeting began with a brief recess before Majority Leader Duran moved to lay over several bills, including House Bill 1123 and Senate Bills 63, 149, and 6 until the following day.

Senate Bill 183, sponsored by Senators Rodriguez and Doherty, along with Representatives Garcia and McCloskey, was brought to the floor for third reading and final passage. The bill aims to require the Department of Healthcare Policy and Financing to cover abortion services for Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus participants, utilizing state funds. This proposal sparked a heated debate among representatives, with strong opposition voiced by several members.

Representative Johnson expressed concerns that the bill's title could mislead voters into believing it encompasses all pregnancy-related services, arguing that it primarily promotes abortion rather than providing comprehensive options for women. He emphasized the importance of presenting all choices to women, including alternatives to abortion.

Other representatives echoed similar sentiments, arguing that the bill represents a shift in taxpayer funding towards elective abortions, which they believe contradicts the will of the voters who supported Amendment 79, which enshrined abortion rights in the state constitution. They raised concerns about the fiscal implications of the bill, noting that it could lead to increased costs for taxpayers and divert funds from other essential services.

Representative Bradley highlighted the state's budget deficit and criticized the allocation of Medicaid funds for elective abortions, suggesting that private donors currently support many low-income abortions and that state funding could undermine this support. He and others questioned the accuracy of the fiscal analysis provided for the bill, arguing that it fails to consider the broader implications of funding abortion services.

The debate continued with representatives discussing the potential consequences of the bill on future pregnancies and the overall health care landscape in Colorado. Many expressed a desire for more transparency regarding the costs associated with abortion services and the impact on taxpayers.

As the discussion progressed, it became clear that the representatives were deeply divided on the issue, with strong feelings on both sides regarding women's rights, fiscal responsibility, and the role of government in health care decisions. The meeting concluded without a vote on Senate Bill 183, leaving the future of the legislation uncertain as it awaits further consideration in the coming days.