Sexual Violence Access to Health Care Bill Goes to Hearing
For Immediate Release: March 24, 2021 (Updated: March 24, 2021, 6:01 p.m.)
DENVER, CO – Colorado has an opportunity to expand access to care for survivors of sexual violence. SB 21-142 will be heard in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee today, March 24th. Currently, only one provider in the entire state of Colorado can provide abortion care for survivors of sexual violence on Medicaid. SB 21-142 would expand that access to health care providers in local communities throughout the state.
“Survivors of sexual violence who rely on Medicaid should not have to overcome daunting obstacles just to get the same medical care as anyone else. Access to care should never depend on where you live, how much money you make, or any other aspect of your identity. Those with private insurance or those who can pay out of pocket can access abortion care through licensed providers throughout the state of Colorado, and access for those who rely on Medicaid should be no different. Health care is a non-negotiable human right, and survivors of sexual violence deserve care, dignity, and respect.”
Dr. Kristina Tocce, Vice President, Medical Director for Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains
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For Background: Per the Colorado state constitution, patients using Medicaid are only able to access covered abortion care if they are victims of sexual assault, incest, or their life is endangered. Medicaid-covered abortion care must be performed in a specific hospital by a physician. There is only one provider in the entire state that meets this criteria, and it is located in the Denver-metro area. Medicaid patients who are survivors of sexual violence have no options for covered abortion care outside the Denver-metro area, forcing many to travel for hours to access care. This creates completely unnecessary burden on survivors of sexual violence.
Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, which includes Colorado, Southern Nevada, New Mexico, and Wyoming, has been helping individuals make responsible decisions for over 100 years.
Since 1916, we have been committed to delivering the highest quality reproductive health care, teaching responsible and age-appropriate sex education, and have been working diligently to protect an individual’s right to make their own decisions. Each year nearly 100,000 women, men, and teens visit our 24 health centers throughout our region.
Call 1.800.230.PLAN for the Planned Parenthood nearest you.