Anti-abortion supporters gathered at a Friday March for Life rally at the state Capitol building in Colorado expressed concerns about the state’s current stance on fostering a culture of life. State Rep. Brandi Bradley, a Republican from Douglas County, criticized Colorado for what she described as a focus on death due to its perceived lenient abortion laws, which she labeled as among the most radical and extreme in the nation.
Prior to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022, Colorado had already established a reputation for its progressive stance on reproductive rights and healthcare. In 2023, Democratic lawmakers in the state passed additional legislation aimed at providing support for individuals from states with restrictive abortion laws, addressing various reproductive health issues.
Despite the efforts of anti-abortion advocates like Bradley, who referred to Colorado as a “pro-murder state,” the state has seen a push for further expansion of abortion rights. Proposed Initiative 89 seeks to lift a ban on the use of public funds for abortions, potentially allowing state employees and university students to utilize their insurance for abortion procedures. Coloradans for Protecting Reproductive Freedom, a coalition advocating for abortion rights, announced that they had gathered enough signatures to place the initiative on the November 2024 ballot.
The March for Life rally in Colorado drew a diverse crowd of attendees, predominantly comprising faith-based groups of women, men, and children from various churches, religious schools, and anti-abortion counseling centers. Speakers at the event, including politicians, clergy members, and activists, expressed gratitude to the military, veterans, and first responders present, while emphasizing the importance of advocating for pregnant mothers and the unborn.
Among the attendees was Krystal Clark, a 43-year-old advocate from Colorado Springs, who shared her personal experience of having an abortion at a young age and the subsequent emotional challenges she faced. Clark highlighted the need for support and understanding for pregnant women in difficult situations. Another participant, 20-year-old Regis University student Michaela Woods, emphasized the importance of showing compassion and mercy towards pregnant women and voiced her commitment to speaking out in support of the unborn.
While anti-abortion sentiment remains strong in certain circles, Karen Middleton, president of the reproductive rights group Cobalt, emphasized the importance of individual choice in reproductive healthcare decisions. Middleton underscored that access to abortion is a fundamental aspect of healthcare and should not be restricted by external mandates, asserting that the majority of Coloradans support the right to make personal choices regarding pregnancy and abortion.