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Senate adopts bill requiring campus access to medication abortion after heated debate
Summary
After hours of debate and several failed amendments, the Colorado Senate adopted HB13‑35 on May 12 requiring campuses with student health centers to provide medication abortion (up to the statutory gestational limit for medication abortion) or, where pharmacies exist, to stock the medication. The floor saw sharply divided argument over safety, conscience exemptions and institutional autonomy.
The Colorado Senate adopted House Bill 13‑35 on May 12 after extended floor debate and a sequence of amendment votes. The bill requires campuses that operate student health centers to provide medication abortion and directs campuses with pharmacies to maintain supplies so students can access care locally.
Sponsor Senator Wallace (speaker 22) framed the measure as expanding timely, equitable access for students who otherwise face travel and cost barriers: "Students deserve equitable access to abortion care," he said on the floor. Opponents including Senator Zamora Wilson (speaker 23) argued the bill coerces institutions and raises safety and cost concerns, calling it a matter of conscience and constitutional principle. Several amendments were offered on the floor — including L22 (to exclude private institutions), L27 (to require additional counseling/disclosure), L23 (to limit eligible recipients) and L26 (to require pregnancy confirmation in suspect ectopic cases) — but those amendments failed on recorded votes. The chair announced adoption of HB13‑35 on a voice/roll procedure after the floor vote.
