Coloradans encouraged to make voices heard against HB-1279 that will likely remove parental rights
Denver, CO—Coloradans against a proposed radical abortion bill are expected to testify in droves and make their voices heard this week about House Bill 1279, which is set for a vote before the state Senate.
The bill called the “Reproductive Health Equity Act” would make Colorado the most radical abortion-friendly state in the country that proposes to allow abortion until birth and eliminate all rights of a fertilized egg, embryo or fetus under law. It is likely HB-1279 will remove parental notification for minors seeking abortion in Colorado. However, Colorado would require a Constitutional amendment to permit state-funding of abortion, as in Oregon and Vermont.
The Archdiocese of Denver, Colorado Catholic Conference and Catholic Charities of Denver speak in unison against the inhumane and radical legislation that will make Colorado abortion law akin to Vermont and Oregon if passed. Those opposed are encouraged to email their state senator, testify during a Senate hearing March 17 at the Colorado State Capitol and contact Gov. Jared Polis to express their views.
“This radical abortion bill does not represent the will of the people in Colorado nor does it protect the lives of millions of pre-born children,” said Brittany Vessely, executive director of the Colorado Catholic Conference, the state bishops’ public policy organization. “Now is the time to make your voices heard that you support real options for pregnant women and wish to protect life.”
Hundreds of people gathered and spoke at the state Capitol March 12 to oppose the bill and speak against the legislation that will radicalize abortion law the state. The bill passed the state House and is scheduled for a public hearing before the Colorado Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday, March 17. Bishop Jorge Rodriguez of the Archdiocese of Denver and Bishop Stephen Berg of the Diocese of Pueblo are expected to testify at the committee hearing along with other pro-life advocates. If the bill passes the committee, a vote by the state Senate is possible as soon as Friday, March 18, before it heads to Gov. Polis’ desk for signing.
This radical legislation is proposed in anticipation of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision regarding Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, which could overturn Roe v. Wade, the legalization of abortion in 1973, and Planned Parenthood v. Casey.
Although Colorado was the first state to legalize abortion in 1967, a great number of residents oppose abortion and late-term abortion. In 2020, nearly 1.3 million Coloradans voted for Proposition 115 that would have prohibited abortion after 22-weeks gestation in most situations. Pro-abortion advocates are positioning Colorado as an “abortion destination” for other states with pro-life legislation.
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