Colorado Leader Affirms Abortion Initiative as Health Care
TL/DR –
A coalition in Colorado led by Jessica Grennan is working to amend the state’s constitution to preserve abortion rights and remove a 40-year-old law banning people from paying for abortions with public insurance. The proposed Initiative 89 would extend access to about one million people who work at public institutions or are covered by state Medicaid. The coalition has collected more than 225,000 signatures, qualifying it in all 35 state senate districts, and aims to get the amendment on November’s ballot.
Push for Enhanced Abortion Rights in Colorado
With its liberal abortion laws and no gestational limits, Colorado leads in the citizen-led initiatives for abortion rights among nearly a dozen states in the US. Despite the progressive laws, Jessica Grennan, campaign director of Coloradans for Protecting Reproductive Freedom, points out financial barriers obstructing abortion access for many state residents.
Coloradans for Protecting Reproductive Freedom, a coalition of reproductive health and justice groups, is pushing to amend the state constitution to safeguard abortion rights. As reported by Colorado Newsline, they aim to scrap a 40-year-old law impeding Coloradans from using public insurance for abortion. The proposed Initiative 89 intends to lift access for nearly 1 million people working at public institutions or covered by state Medicaid.
Campaign Milestones and Challenges
The coalition must collect nearly 125,000 valid signatures by April 26, with a minimum of 2% from each of the 35 state Senate districts. As of now, they have over 225,000 signatures and have qualified in all districts. Grennan emphasized the critical importance of constitutional protection for abortion rights, especially in the light of near-total abortion ban in Arizona. Meanwhile, a rival ballot initiative to restrict abortion in Colorado is due April 18.
Personal Experience Fuels the Fight
For Grennan, a seasoned campaign strategist, the fight for abortion rights is not just political, but deeply personal. Having grappled with her own reproductive health care costs, she understands first-hand the importance of accessible healthcare. She confidently shared that the Colorado’s abortion-rights campaign is on schedule to qualify for the ballot this month.
Jessica Grennan: Colorado doesn’t have a constitutional right to abortion access, particularly for those on state insurance plans. Our measure aims to remove that barrier and make it a constitutional right. We assert that abortion is health care; it’s not extraordinary, it’s simply health care.
Despite the challenges of a “Yes” campaign, Grennan feels positive about the volunteer support and the public response. The campaign has trained over 1,100 people to gather signatures and has witnessed an overwhelming response from the citizens.
Grennan: I believe we will win because people want access to their healthcare and they don’t want others dictating what is best for them and their families.
While Grennan is unsure about the progress of the anti-abortion ballot initiative campaign for proposed Initiative 81, she suggests that both ballot measures could potentially be on the ballot in November.
Grennan is excited about the opportunity to work on abortion policy and is deeply committed to ensuring healthcare remains in the control of patients. The Coalition continues to make strides towards their goal, advocating for unrestricted access to care.
—
Read More Health & Wellness News ; US News