Eric Galatas, Public News Service
“The Colorado house will hear the so-called “fetal homicide” bill today. Supporters say the bill, which cleared the senate last week, will address crimes like one committed against a pregnant woman in Longmont.
Gena Ozols, political director with NARAL Pro-Choice Colorado, says the state already has the gold standard of laws protecting women in the “Crimes Against Pregnant Women Act,” and the Longmont woman accused in the attack already faces over 100 years in prison.
Ozols says it’s been a tough session for women’s reproductive rights. Last week a late bill was introduced with a reassuring title: “A Woman’s Right To Accurate Healthcare Information.”
It would have forced intrusive sonogram procedures and created other barriers for women seeking abortions. That bill was narrowly defeated in committee. At the same time, a bill passed by the houseto continue funding contraception for young, low-income women was rejected by the senate.
“Senate Republicans have been forcing a lot of legislation that has been not good for women,” Ozols says. “While they have been completely neglecting proven legislation that has helped women, including lowering unintended pregnancies as well as saving the state of Colorado money.”
Ozols says HB-1194, killed by the senate, would have funded the Colorado Family Planning Initiative, which has a proven track record for reducing abortion and teen pregnancy. According to the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, the program cut costs from unintended pregnancies by between $49 million and $111 million a year.”
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