By Emily Doskow
We are two days from one of the most critical elections in American history, but the next president isn’t the only matter of importance on the ballot. There are a plethora of measures and propositions that Coloradans have the chance to vote on in this election. While it may seem overwhelming, educating yourself and exercising your right to vote is empowering in a nation where it doesn’t often feel like our individual voices matter. One important ballot measure is Amendment 79, which enshrines the right to an abortion in the Colorado state constitution. Colorado is considered a safe-haven state, meaning abortion is legal state-wide. The Boulder Valley Health Center, which sees 17% out-of-state patients for abortions, is fighting misinformation regarding the amendment and abortion in general.
The Denver Post recently reported that the ballot measure “would allow spending of public money on abortion services.” While this is partially true, The Post fails to explain that currently, the Hyde Amendment restricts state-funded insurance from paying for reproductive care, seen by many as healthcare and a right to those who pay for insurance. Private insurance companies are also not required to cover abortions. The second part of Amendment 79 would overturn the Hyde Amendment, allowing citizens to use the insurance that they are already paying for to cover reproductive care. It is important to note that this specific amendment will not increase your taxes. On the note of taxes, though, anti-abortion clinics such as the Pregnancy Resource Center have been receiving state funding. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, clinics like these use “false and misleading information, emotional manipulation, and delays to divert pregnant people from accessing comprehensive and timely care from patient-centered, appropriately trained, and licensed medical professionals.”
The Alma Collective, a nonprofit specializing in feminist issues, partnered with New Era Colorado, Boulder Valley Health Center and the Cobalt Fund to inform CU Boulder students and other community members about the facts and myths of Amendment 79. Karly Schwab, who has been working to defeat anti-abortion ballot measures for ten years, works for Cobalt. This 100% donation-based fund exists to serve citizens who either cannot afford an abortion or can’t afford the travel or childcare required to get one if they live in a state where it is banned. It is not just the cost of the abortion itself that prohibits women from getting the procedure done, but more often, waiting until they are further along in pregnancy and they have the financial ability to have the procedure. Having the security of their travel and hospitality covered by Cobalt has helped hundreds of citizens from out-of-state get safe abortions.
Reproductive rights are not just on the presidential ballot this election, but are a recurring topic in many voting seasons. Reproductive rights, among many others, are subjects where citizens’ education and votes matter. Learn about what’s on your ballot. Your vote matters.