Good Bill
Sponsor: Rep. Stephanie Keltie (R-Littleton)
The bill requires medical providers to offer pregnant women a “Do Not Abort” form that instructs medical staff not to perform or facilitate abortion if the woman becomes unconscious or incapacitated. Women may revoke the form at any time. The legislation applies to medical emergencies where the pregnant woman cannot communicate her preferences.
Current law under C.R.S. 15-18.5-103 authorizes medical power of attorney documents allowing individuals to specify healthcare preferences for situations when they cannot communicate. The bill creates a specific form for pregnant women’s abortion preferences.
The form directs medical providers to prioritize both maternal and fetal life during emergencies. It does not restrict physicians from providing medical care necessary to save the mother’s life. The woman maintains sole authority to complete, file, or revoke the form.
Questions include how the form interacts with existing medical decision-making protocols during emergencies, whether medical providers face liability for following or not following form instructions in life-threatening situations, and how the form applies when medical judgment conflicts with documented preferences.
House Health and Human Services will hear the bill Wednesday, February 18. Representative Keltie represents suburban Littleton.
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