Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, Colorado has become a hub for out-of-state abortion care. With protective legislation in place, clinics across the state have reported a significant rise in patients traveling from neighboring states where restrictions on abortion have tightened.
Rising Demand for Services
The president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, Adrienne Mansanares, shared staggering numbers. “We’ve served over 7,000 people traveling from out of state to Colorado,” Mansanares said. “We’ve also seen about 12,500 individuals at other health centers across the region.”
A large portion of these patients come from Texas and Oklahoma, where strict abortion laws have been enacted. Rural clinics, like the one in Glenwood Springs, have been particularly affected. As the only Planned Parenthood west of Denver, this facility saw a 58% increase in out-of-state patients since Roe v. Wade was overturned.
Colorado’s Legislative Stance
In November, voters in Colorado approved Amendment 79 by a decisive margin of 65%. The measure formally enshrines abortion rights into the state’s constitution.
While the decision solidified Colorado’s stance as a sanctuary for reproductive rights, it was not without opposition. Scott Shamblin, Executive Director of Colorado Right to Life, criticized the measure, claiming it misled voters. “The truth is, voters did not know the truth about it,” he said, citing concerns about parental notification and taxpayer funding for abortions.
Despite the opposition, the passing of Amendment 79 highlights Colorado’s commitment to maintaining access to reproductive healthcare.
Political Uncertainty Looms
As President-Elect Donald Trump prepares to take office in January, abortion rights advocates are bracing for potential policy changes. Trump’s administration has made its anti-abortion stance clear, sparking fears about further rollbacks on reproductive healthcare access.
Mansanares expressed concerns beyond abortion, citing potential attacks on birth control and transgender healthcare. “We anticipate continued attacks on things like birth control, hormonal therapy for patients seeking transgender care, and that’s devastating,” she said.
A National Shift
The influx of patients into Colorado is not an isolated phenomenon. Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains revealed that last year, patients seeking care came from all 50 states—a 138% increase in out-of-state visitors.
This sharp rise underscores the disparities in access to abortion care across the country. States with restrictive laws have effectively created healthcare deserts, forcing residents to seek services far from home.
Glenwood Springs at the Center
Glenwood Springs has become a focal point in the discussion. As the sole Planned Parenthood location west of Denver, it bears the brunt of serving rural communities and out-of-state patients.
Staff at the clinic are working tirelessly to meet the increased demand while maintaining the quality of care. This includes managing logistics for patients traveling long distances, often under challenging circumstances.
