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Committee postpones Representative Bottoms’ bill seeking oversight of later‑term abortion care
Summary
Representative Bottoms proposed a measure directing the state health department to set standards or rules for second‑ and third‑trimester abortion care; the panel voted to postpone the bill indefinitely after hours of testimony for and against.
Representative Scott Bottoms introduced legislation to require the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to set rules and oversight for second‑ and third‑trimester abortion care and require reporting and system‑level reviews when severe maternal morbidity or mortality occurs. Sponsors argued the measure addresses higher risks for late‑stage procedures and seeks quality review protocols recommended by medical associations.
The bill drew lengthy testimony and sharp disagreement. Supporters including OB‑GYNs, faith groups and some patient advocates described maternal‑safety incidents and urged state oversight for facilities that perform later‑term procedures. Dr. Catherine Wheeler, a board‑certified OB‑GYN who testified in favor, said second‑ and third‑trimester procedures have higher complication rates and "It is dangerous and reckless for abortions after the first trimester to be allowed in unregulated, unlicensed, uninspected facilities." Another witness described a local death after a procedure and called for increased accountability.
Opponents including Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, reproductive‑rights advocates and several provider groups said the bill would be a targeted regulatory burden that threatens access to legal care and amounts to a political effort to restrict abortion. Claudia Perez of Planned Parenthood testified: "This bill does not enhance patient safety. It is designed to create unnecessary barriers that make it harder, if not impossible for providers to continue offering critical care."
A procedural motion to send the bill to the Finance Committee failed on a recorded vote (4–8). Later, the committee voted 8–4 to postpone the bill indefinitely.
Committee action: the bill was postponed indefinitely (vote 8–4).
What’s next: With the committee’s indefinite postponement, Representative Bottoms may pursue future hearings or revisions, but the bill will not advance during this legislative session unless reintroduced or revived by motion or amendment.
