Both LWV La Plata and our state Leagues were heavily involved in promoting and supporting the successful passage of Amendment 79 in the November 2024 election. Colorado voters passed Amendment 79, which enshrines the right to an abortion and other reproductive services in the state constitution. The measure passed with 62% of the vote.
Key provisions of Amendment 79:
- Constitutional right to abortion: It establishes a constitutional right to abortion, preventing state or local governments from denying or impeding that right.
- Access to health insurance: The amendment allows abortion to be a covered service under health insurance plans, including for state and local government employees and Medicaid enrollees.
- Repeals public funding ban: It repeals a 1984 constitutional amendment that prohibited the use of public funds for abortion.
- Future protections: While abortion was already legal in Colorado through statute, proponents sought to embed it in the state constitution to provide a stronger, long-lasting safeguard against future legislative or judicial changesThe Right to Abortion and abortion services being covered by state-funded health insurance. This is a huge success and win, especially in our daunting climate for reproductive care in our country.