Opinion: Why You Should Vote No on Amendment 79

Recently you featured commentary on Amendment 79 by Dr. Rebecca Cohen. Like her, I am an OB/GYN physician who also performed abortions. Her opinion piece outlined some of the unusual provisions and protections for abortion in Colorado, which are not extended to other health care.

Colorado already has extreme abortion laws compared to other states and countries. Amendment 79 would preclude prudent regulations of late abortion, exclude parental involvement and prevent the establishment of safety regulations for
high-risk second- and third-trimester abortion clinics to ensure the health of women.

Access to abortion is the single “medical service” that private insurers are required to pay with no out-of-pocket expense. Not maternity care. Not cancer care. Not emergency care. Only “reproductive health care” — meaning abortion.

Amendment 79 would remove the ban on public funding for abortion, allowing the Colorado Legislature to expand “abortion programs,” forcing the same taxpayers who are paying their copays and deductibles for health care to fully fund abortion. Where is the justice there?

What women and Coloradans deserve is solving the maternity care crisis in Colorado. Nearly 40 percent of our counties have NO obstetric provider or birthing center, with poor Medicaid reimbursement being a primary factor. Maternity care access is impeded by lack of funding and other barriers. This increases maternal and infant mortality risk. Amendment
79 will increase public funding of abortion, including non-state residents, necessarily diverting funds from other spending priorities, such as truly essential maternity care. The allocation to expanding abortion programs will depend on the Colorado legislature.

I think we all know what to expect.

What will Coloradans prioritize: abortion or maternity care? Coloradans should vote NO on Amendment 79.

Catherine Wheeler is an OB/GYN physician who practiced 24 years, including performing abortions.

In the days leading up to the November 5 election, westword.com will be publishing commentaries on the various ballot measures...both pro and con. Have one you'd like to submit? Send it to [email protected], where you can also comment on this piece and any others.