Colorado’s 2024 Amendment 79: Constitutional Right to Abortion

Amendment 79 is on the ballot this November, and it’s about as straightforward—and controversial—as it gets. This amendment proposes to enshrine the right to abortion in the Colorado Constitution and remove the state’s 1984 ban on using public funds for abortion services. Essentially, it aims to make abortion a constitutional right in Colorado, guaranteeing that no state or local government can interfere with that right. Let’s break it down and see what all the fuss is about.

What Is Amendment 79?

Amendment 79 would add language to the Colorado Constitution explicitly recognizing the right to abortion. It states that no government entity can “deny, impede, or discriminate against” anyone exercising this right. It also seeks to overturn a 1984 constitutional amendment that banned state and local governments from using taxpayer dollars to pay for abortions, except in cases where the mother’s life is at risk​ (Reason Foundation)​ (The Colorado Sun).

For those who love the nitty-gritty details, here’s the full text of the amendment

Shall there be a change to the Colorado constitution recognizing the right to abortion, and, in connection therewith, prohibiting the state and local governments from denying, impeding, or discriminating against the exercise of that right, allowing abortion to be a covered service under health insurance plans for Colorado state and local government employees and for enrollees in state and local governmental insurance programs?

What Does Amendment 79 Aim to Do?

The amendment seeks to secure abortion rights beyond what state law currently provides. Colorado already has very few restrictions on abortion—it’s legal at any point during pregnancy. However, supporters of Amendment 79 argue that putting this right into the state constitution would safeguard it from future political shifts or potential rollbacks in federal protections. It also opens the door for state employees and Medicaid recipients to have abortion services covered under their insurance plans​ (The Colorado Sun)​ (BallotReady).

The Pros

1. Protects Abortion Access: Proponents say that enshrining the right to abortion in the state constitution would create a strong legal foundation that prevents future lawmakers from imposing new restrictions. With the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade, they see this as a necessary move to ensure reproductive rights in Colorado remain protected​ (BallotReady) ​(Reason Foundation).
2. Removes Funding Barriers: By overturning the 1984 ban, the amendment would allow state and local funds to cover abortion services. Supporters argue that a right without access isn’t truly a right, and this measure would make abortion services more affordable for those enrolled in state-funded health programs​ (Reason Foundation)​ (The Colorado Sun).
3. Broad Political and Advocacy Support: Amendment 79 has significant backing from Democratic lawmakers, the ACLU, and reproductive rights groups like Cobalt Advocates. They argue it’s time for Colorado’s constitution to match its progressive laws​ (The Colorado Sun) ​(BallotReady).

The Cons

1. Expansion of Taxpayer Funding: Opponents, including Pro-Life Colorado and religious leaders like Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila, argue that overturning the 1984 funding ban would force taxpayers to subsidize abortion services, even for late-term procedures. They see this as a major overreach that could result in increased abortion rates and misuse of taxpayer dollars​ (Denver Catholic)​(The Colorado Sun).
2. No Limits on Late-Term Abortions: Critics emphasize that Colorado already has some of the most permissive abortion laws in the country, allowing the procedure throughout all stages of pregnancy. They warn that Amendment 79 would make it impossible to introduce any limits, even for late-term abortions unless the state constitution is amended again (BallotReady)​ (Wikipedia).
3. Religious and Parental Rights Concerns: Many opponents are worried that this amendment would not only undermine parental notification laws but also strip parents of any say if their minor child seeks an abortion. Religious groups argue that this amendment disregards the moral and ethical beliefs of a significant portion of Colorado’s population​ (Denver Catholic).

What the Blue Book Says

A “YES” vote on Amendment 79 places the right to abortion in the Colorado Constitution and repeals the current ban on state and local funding for abortion services.

A “NO” vote on Amendment 79 continues the ban on state and local funding for abortion services and maintains the authority of the state legislature to determine the legality of abortion in the state.

The Bottom Line

Amendment 79 isn’t just about codifying abortion rights—it’s about solidifying unrestricted access to abortion in Colorado and allowing public funding for it. If you believe in securing these rights and expanding access regardless of political shifts, this one’s for you. But if you see taxpayer-funded abortions or the lack of restrictions as a step too far, a “no” vote might be your choice.

There’s the objective part of us, now here’s what we think

We’re voting NO. For the love of God (from whom this nation needs beg forgiveness and repent), vote no. Draw a line – at least somewhere. Abortion is already legal without any gestational limits in Colorado. A woman can literally be crowning and choose to murder her child. No questions asked. Colorado, please stop bowing to the unholy sacrament of abortion in Colorado. We have put up with your twisting of language – “access to abortion care.” “Abortion care” is the killing of a child. Period. Let’s just have an honest conversation and call it what it is. Stop rubbing our nose in it as you shout your abortion. Please just stop.

In Colorado, women have that right. Trust us, we wrestle with body autonomy. We believe a person should have the right to choose what to do with their own body. But please, women, please recognize that you are making a choice for two bodies. That is a separate, intricately and wonderfully made human growing inside you, whom deserves the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

No, we must recognize body autonomy, which is why we ultimately don’t rage against Colorado laws. Women can choose to kill their child – that’s the law. If we want to change the baby-killing climate in Colorado, we must change hearts. Our problem is not one of too little government, our problem is one of too little God. God changes hearts. Government does not.

All that Amendment 79 does is keep taxpayers off the hook for funding procedures that may or may not violate their conscience. It does not “take away a woman’s right to choose” (death for her child). Please – for the soul of Colorado – vote no on Amendment 79.