In recent times, Coloradans appear to be facing the weight of policies that attack their First Amendment rights.
Earlier in April, state Democrats launched a full assault on free speech through HB25-1312 — legislation that seeks to classify “misgendering” and “deadnaming” as forms of abuse. But while Coloradans grapple with threats to their free speech, another policy shift undercuts their religious and moral convictions. Governor Jared Polis (D) officially signed SB25-183 into law, effectively forcing taxpayers to fund abortions.
With the stroke of a pen, Polis weaponized Amendment 79, transforming a political agenda into a crushing taxpayer burden. Mere weeks ago, thousands of Colorado pro-lifers encircled the state capitol, fiercely defending the sanctity of life. Yet, Polis — dismissing their convictions — claims this fulfills the “will of voters to strengthen access to reproductive care.” Now, pro-lifers’ own tax dollars are being funneled to fund abortions, the very procedure they passionately oppose.
The legislative vote was almost perfectly split among party lines. All Republicans opposed the legislation, while all but one Democrat was in favor. Before now, Section 50 of Article V of the Colorado Constitution had prohibited using public funds to fund abortions. But as The Christian Post reported, “Section 50 has now been repealed from the state constitution after 62% of voters approved Amendment 79 in the 2024 election.”
As such, the outlet added, “Amendment 79 established a right to abortion in the state constitution and allowed abortion to be covered in health insurance plans for state and local government employees as well as those enrolled in state and local government insurance programs.” The legislation “appropriates $1.5 million in state taxpayer funds to pay for abortion reimbursements.”
Furthermore, cases of rape, incest, and life endangerment were previously the only instances allowing reimbursement for “abortion care services,” as the fiscal note stated. But under the newly enshrined Senate Bill 25-183, the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing is required to use taxpayer dollars to cover abortions for anyone enrolled in Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus programs. This law also prevents Colorado from helping out-of-state or federal investigations that try to punish people or groups for providing abortions.
