Last summer the Supreme Court voted to give power over abortion laws back to state governments.
This decision has made abortion a hot topic at recent mid-term elections and in proposed legislation at the state level, and Colorado is no exception.
What Are the Current Abortion Laws in Colorado?
Abortion is now legal without restriction in the state, meaning a pregnancy can be terminated up until one minute before a baby is born at full term.
The law does stipulate that abortion can not be paid for by public funds in most cases.
A minor under the age of 18 must inform their parent or guardian before having an abortion procedure. However if the minor is at least 15 years of age and living independently from her parents or is married she is exempt from this law. Though this law requires that the minor give notice to her guardians, it does not require their consent for her to do so.
What Does Abortion in Colorado Look Like?
If you want an abortion in Colorado you will have to wait.
After many states created full bans on abortion, women began traveling to Colorado for their abortions. This has created long wait lines for the procedure, with some women having to schedule out weeks in advance.
The farther along you are in your pregnancy, the more involved and expensive an abortion can be.
The abortion pill can cost up to $800, and can only be taken in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.
A surgical abortion can cost up into the thousands of dollars. You will also need to factor in costs associated with follow-up exams and any complications that may arise.
What Are the Risks of Abortion?
As with any other medical procedure, abortion comes with risks.
If you take the abortion pill you risk extreme cramping as your body essentially goes into labor to expel the contents of your uterus. You also will likely experience bleeding, lower back pain, vomiting, and headache.
If you have a surgical abortion you risk a bacterial infection, tearing of the uterus, heavy bleeding and hemorrhaging, future infertility, and even death.
You can also experience an incomplete abortion with both types of abortion. This occurs when parts of the pregnancy are left behind. Sometimes they will need surgical removal. This can also lead to severe infection that may result in septic shock.
Where Can You Learn More?
If you are struggling with an unplanned pregnancy and are considering abortion, it is important to first gather more information.
The more you know, the more confident you can be in your decision. There is no need to rush into anything.
First, you should get an ultrasound, to confirm how far along you are in your pregnancy. This will help you narrow down your options and give you a better idea about any complications you may have.
Don’t have health insurance? Not a problem. We can offer you free ultrasounds at our clinic. Call us today to schedule your confidential appointment.
You do not have to face this pregnancy alone.
*Life Choices does not preform or refer for abortions.