Late-Term Abortion Laws in Colorado

1. What are the late-term abortion laws in Colorado?


Colorado does not have any specific laws regulating late-term abortions. The state follows the Supreme Court’s ruling in Roe v. Wade, which states that a woman has the right to terminate her pregnancy up until the point of viability, or when the fetus is able to survive outside of the womb. Colorado also requires all abortions after 22 weeks gestation be performed in a hospital or accredited outpatient facility with a physician with admitting privileges.

2. Is there a gestational limit on abortions in Colorado?


Yes, abortions in Colorado are limited to 24 weeks after gestation unless there is a medical emergency.

3. Is there a ban on late-term abortions in Colorado?


No, there is no ban on late-term abortions in Colorado. Abortion is legal in Colorado up to 24 weeks’ gestation, and later if the life or health of the mother is at risk.

4. Who can authorize a late-term abortion procedure in Colorado?


Abortions may be performed on viable fetuses during the third trimester if the life or health of the woman is in danger or if the fetus has a fatal condition. In Colorado, two physicians must approve late-term abortion procedures in addition to the woman seeking the abortion.

5. How does Colorado define a “late-term abortion”?


In Colorado, a late-term abortion is defined as an abortion that takes place after the 22nd week of pregnancy.

6. Are there any exceptions to late-term abortion bans in Colorado?


Yes. Colorado law permits late-term abortions in certain circumstances, including when the pregnancy poses a risk to the mother’s life or health, or if the fetus has a lethal anomaly. A doctor must certify that the abortion is necessary to protect the health of the woman before it can be performed.

7. Are there any parental notification laws for minors seeking abortions in Colorado?


Yes. In Colorado, a minor seeking an abortion must either obtain written consent of a parent or legal guardian or obtain permission from a judge in order to proceed with the procedure. The judge may waive the parental notification requirement if it is found to be in the best interest of the minor.

8. What are the informed consent requirements for abortions in Colorado?


In Colorado, all abortion providers must inform patients as to the nature of the procedure, the risks and alternatives, and possible medical complications prior to providing any abortion procedures. The provider must also obtain consent from the patient on an informed consent form. The form must include statements that the patient has been informed of the risks, alternatives, and medical complications associated with the procedure and that they have received other relevant information from the provider. In addition, the form must include a notification that the state provides pregnancy and adoption support services for pregnant women.

9. Does Colorado require waiting periods for abortions?


Yes, Colorado requires women to wait 24 hours after their initial consultation before they can receive an abortion.

10. Are there any laws requiring ultrasounds before abortions in Colorado?


No, there are no laws requiring ultrasounds before abortions in Colorado.

11. Does Colorado have any bans on sex-selective abortions?


Yes. In 2019, Colorado passed a law that prohibits sex-selective abortions.

12. Are there restrictions on public funding of abortions in Colorado?


Yes, there are restrictions on public funding of abortions in Colorado. The state restricts public funding of abortion to cases of rape, incest, life endangerment, or fetal abnormality. Additionally, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements to qualify for public funding of abortions.

13. Does Colorado have any laws regulating the sale of abortifacients (drugs that induce abortion)?


Yes. Colorado’s legislature has enacted the Termination of Pregnancy Act, which regulates the sale and use of abortifacients. The law restricts the sale of abortifacients to licensed medical practitioners and requires such practitioners to obtain written informed consent from a woman before providing her with an abortifacient. In addition, the law imposes a 24-hour waiting period between the time a woman requests an abortifacient and the time an abortifacient is administered.

14. Does Colorado require counselling before an abortion procedure?


Yes, Colorado requires any abortion provider to offer the option of meeting with a medical professional prior to the procedure to discuss other options and provide information about the medical risks associated with abortion.

15. Are there any regulations on the disposal of fetal remains after an abortion procedure in Colorado?


Yes, there are regulations on the disposal of fetal remains after an abortion procedure in Colorado. As of January 1, 2020, Colorado law requires that all fetal remains from an abortion be either cremated or buried. It is illegal for any person or entity to dispose of fetal remains in any other way, including by incineration or disposal in a sanitary landfill. Healthcare providers are responsible for making arrangements for cremation or burial, and must document that the fetal remains were disposed of in accordance with state law.

16. Does Colorado recognize any conscientious objection rights for health care providers who object to performing abortions?


Yes, Colorado does recognize conscientious objection rights for health care providers who object to performing abortions. The Colorado Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Act states that no health care provider has to provide or participate in any abortion procedures if it would violate their conscience or religious beliefs.

17. Does Colorado have any laws protecting healthcare providers from being discriminated against for participating in abortion procedures?


Yes, Colorado law protects healthcare providers from discrimination based on their participation in abortion procedures. The Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA) prohibits discrimination based on a person’s participation in any lawful activity, including abortion. Additionally, the Reproductive Health Freedom Act prohibits employers and other entities from discriminating against individuals for their reproductive health decisions, including the decision to obtain an abortion.

18. Are there any laws concerning the transportation of minors across state lines to obtain abortions in Colorado?


In Colorado, there are no laws specifically concerning the transportation of minors across state lines to obtain abortions. However, minors in Colorado must generally obtain parental consent or a court order before obtaining an abortion.

19. Are there restrictions on the use of telemedicine for abortion services in Colorado?


Yes. Colorado law requires that abortion services obtained via telemedicine must meet the same legal requirements as those obtained in-person, including that the qualified physician providing the service must be physically present with the patient at the time of the abortion. The law also requires that the patient be provided with specific information related to the abortion procedure via telemedicine, as well as other services, such as follow-up exams and post-abortion counseling.

20. Does Colorado have any laws criminalizing the performance of self-induced abortions or assisting others with self-induced abortions?


No. Colorado does not currently have any laws criminalizing the performance of self-induced abortions or assisting others with self-induced abortions. The state does recognize the right of privacy for individuals to make decisions about their own reproductive health, and thus self-induced abortions are not prohibited by statute.