October 31st 2024.
The Archdiocese of Denver and a nonprofit representing the state's Catholic bishops have joined forces to support a Colorado anti-abortion group in their fight against Amendment 79. This proposed amendment aims to enshrine abortion rights in the state's constitution, and the Archdiocese and the Colorado Catholic Conference are determined to prevent this from happening.
On October 22, the Pro-Life Colorado Fund, a coalition of over 50 anti-abortion organizations, received a generous donation of $175,000 from the Denver Archdiocese. This contribution was disclosed on TRACER, a website that reveals campaign finances. Additionally, on September 11, the Archdiocese made another donation of $50,000, which was mistakenly attributed to them. In fact, this donation came from the budget of the Colorado Catholic Conference, as clarified by Brittany Vessely, the organization's executive director.
The Colorado Catholic Conference is a non-profit that represents the state's three dioceses in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo, as well as their four bishops. It operates as a project of the Archdiocese of Denver in terms of legal tax status. This is why the $50,000 donation was listed under the specific Archdiocese. In an interview, Vessely spoke on behalf of both the Colorado Catholic Conference and the Denver Archdiocese, stating that all four Catholic bishops in Colorado are united in their opposition to Amendment 79, as it removes any common sense safeguards for abortion access.
The news of these campaign contributions was first reported by Mother Jones and the National Catholic Reporter on Thursday. Amendment 79, which is on the state ballot, aims to enshrine existing abortion protections into the Colorado Constitution. It also seeks to repeal a language from 1984 that prohibits the use of state and local government funding for abortion services. This could potentially mean that Medicaid enrollees and public employees on government health insurance plans could have abortion procedures covered.
In order to pass, the amendment must receive at least 55% support, as it would amend the state constitution. Supporters argue that its success would ensure the protection of abortion access from future political decisions. However, opponents, including the Colorado Catholic Conference and the Pro-Life Colorado Fund, disagree with the use of taxpayer funds towards abortion, among other reasons.
Vessely clarified that the opposition to Amendment 79 has nothing to do with a religious position, but rather, it is based on the extreme nature of the amendment. The Pro-Life Colorado Fund has raised almost $373,000 through October 28, according to TRACER. Another anti-abortion group, Vote No on 79, has reported around $57,000 in contributions on TRACER, with a recent major donation of $15,000 from the nonprofit Truth and Liberty Coalition.
On the other hand, Coloradans for Protecting Reproductive Freedom has raised a significantly higher amount of close to $6.4 million for their campaign through October 30, according to TRACER. This includes notable donations from organizations such as UltraViolet, a women's rights organization, and Cobalt Advocates, a Denver-based nonprofit. A survey conducted in 2022 by Global Strategy Group, a Democratic polling firm, and co-sponsored by ProgressNow Colorado, a progressive advocacy group, found that a majority of Colorado voters (67%) believe that women should have access to abortion care.
Dani Dawes Cox, who had an abortion in college, shared her personal experience, stating that she wouldn't be where she is today if she didn't have the opportunity. She believes that access to abortion is empowering for women and allows them to have unlimited futures. However, anti-abortion advocates are still hopeful that they will defeat Amendment 79 next week.
In an effort to raise awareness about the potential hazards of the ballot measure, a group of about 40 people gathered on the steps of the Colorado State Capitol for a news conference on Wednesday morning. Hosted by the American Association of Pro-Life OBGYNs, five attendees wore white coats, symbolizing their roles as healthcare professionals. Others held signs with messages such as "No to taxpayer funded abortion" and "Don't cut parents out."
During the news conference, pediatrician Michelle Stanford spoke about the risk of coercion of pregnant youth to undergo abortions. The presenters were occasionally interrupted by a lone counter-protester who was eventually escorted by police officers to the sidewalk. Derek Torstenson, who was out of sight but heard over a megaphone, yelled, "Abortion is healthcare!".
In conclusion, the Archdiocese of Denver and the Colorado Catholic Conference are determined to prevent Amendment 79 from passing, as it poses a threat to their beliefs and values. On the other hand, supporters of the amendment argue that it is necessary to protect abortion access in the future. As the state prepares for the upcoming vote, the debate on this issue continues to be heated and passionate.
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