Gov. Jared Polis signed a pair of abortion-related bills into law on Thursday afternoon following the passage of Amendment 79, which enshrines the right to abortion in the state constitution, last November. 

Senate Bill 183, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, and Senator Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, and House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and Representative Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County, reflects the changes made necessary by the passage of Amendment 79, including repealing a constitutional ban on using public funds for abortions. 

“It’s our responsibility to implement the will of the voters, and that’s what this law does by further protecting and increasing access to abortion in Colorado,” said McCluskie. “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 law implements the will of the voters and reduces barriers so public employees can access the essential reproductive health care they need.”

As it applies to abortion drugs, the measure allows, at the practitioner’s request, the label for mifepristone, misoprostol and their generic alternatives to display only the name of the prescribing health care practice, instead of the individual practitioner. It also prevents Colorado residents and businesses from complying with out-of-state civil, criminal, or regulatory inquiries about individuals or entities involved in what sponsors described as “legally protected health-care activity.”

“Colorado is a beacon for reproductive freedom and access to abortion in our region,” said Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, one of the sponsors. “Strengthening our shield law will expand protections for patients, providers, and helpers against interstate criminal and civil threats. These measures, like prescription label privacy, telehealth protections, and robust legal safeguards, will ensure that Colorado remains a national leader for reproductive health care and freedom.”

The other sponsors are Senate Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Reps. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, and Karen McCormick, D-Longmont.