Colorado lawmakers quietly pass bill forcing taxpayers to fund abortions

A Colorado bill requiring taxpayers to fund abortions has passed both houses of the Colorado legislature and will now be sent to Governor Jared Polis’ desk for his signature.

Senate Bill 183 passed the Senate last month, and in addition to requiring taxpayer-funded abortions, requires public employee insurance plans to cover abortion. It was then passed by the House in a 38-21 vote, largely along party lines, on Sunday.

Legislatures do not typically vote on weekends, calling into question of why the House chose to hold the vote on a Sunday. It’s possible it could have been to lessen the media attention, as the House debate garnered nationwide criticism after one lawmaker’s argument in the bill’s favor went viral.

House Speaker Julie McCluskie said the bill should be passed because it would be cheaper for the state to pay for abortions than to pay for births. “A birth is more expensive than an abortion,” she said. “Ultimately, we do achieve a cost savings because of the averted births that will not take place.”

By “averted births,” McCluskie is referring to the intentional, targeted killing of preborn children – human beings with an intrinsic right to life.

In addition to ensuring that abortions receive taxpayer funding, SB 183 also includes a shield law to protect Colorado abortionists if they violate pro-life laws in other states.

“We’re reaffirming Colorado’s position as a sanctuary for safe, legal and protected reproductive health care by strengthening our shield laws,” Rep. Junie Joseph said in a statement. “Our bill expands Colorado’s shield laws to include telehealth and prescription label privacy. In the face of hostile, out-of-state attacks on our reproductive rights, we’re making sure Colorado has the ability to fight back and protect our patients and providers.”

Polis has previously signed other pro-abortion bills into law, and he is expected to do the same for this one.