Prevention First in Reproductive Health Care
In 2007, Colorado’s General Assembly called on: “…The Governor, the Department of Public Health and Environment, the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, and the Department of Education to consider cost-effective public policies to reduce unintended pregnancy rates based upon comprehensive data and analysis regarding the barriers and challenges to preventing unintended pregnancies.” 1 By emphasizing prevention first in reproductive health care policies, Colorado can lead the nation in: - Reducing unintended pregnancy and the need for abortion without denying women of their fundamental right to receive safe, legal medical care.
- Promoting women’s fundamental right to choose whether and when to have a family.
- Empowering women and their families to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of dangerous diseases.
- Promoting essential health care for some of the state’s most vulnerable populations, including low-income women and women of color.
Already in Colorado, the state legislature has taken pro-active steps to promote the health of Colorado women and girls by enacting laws and supporting policies that emphasize prevention in reproductive health. Here are some highlights: 2007 -------------- notes 1. 2007 Senate Joint Resolution 31 (Boyd, Borodkin): Emphasizing Prevention First in Reproductive Health Care Policy to Reduce Unintended Pregnancies |
