A Colorado abortion fund, Cobalt Abortion Fund, has reported an increase in the number of people seeking help to access abortion in the state in the first months of 2024. Many of these individuals are coming from Texas where abortion is heavily restricted. This increase in demand for abortion assistance has been observed every year since the landmark Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, leaving a patchwork of state bans, restrictions, and protections across the country.
In response to the restrictions on abortion access in certain states, including Texas, a national network of individuals and organizations has been established to help those seeking abortions where it is restricted. Cobalt Abortion Fund specifically provides financial support for practical expenses like travel and lodging, as well as abortion procedures. Operating in Colorado, a state that has staunchly protected access to abortion, Cobalt’s aid has increased significantly since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, with spending rising from $212,000 in 2021 to $1.25 million by 2023.
The latest numbers from Cobalt show that the group spent $500,000 in the first three months of 2024, with a projected total spending of around $2.4 million by the end of the year. Over half of this year’s spending went towards practical support for around 350 individuals, with the majority of clients coming from Texas. Cobalt’s director, Melisa Hidalgo-Cuellar, emphasized that the volume of individuals seeking assistance for abortion continues to increase every month, driven by a combination of increased access to information on social media and new restrictions on abortion in other states.
Colorado has emerged as a haven for abortion in a region dominated by conservative states, with the state passing laws to protect those seeking abortions and the providers from prosecution in states where it is restricted. However, anti-abortion activists are challenging these protections in court, as seen in a case where a Texas man is attempting to find out who helped his former partner obtain an out-of-state abortion. The out-of-state abortions have contributed to Cobalt’s increased funding for practical support, especially for travel expenses, exceeding the aid for the abortion procedure itself.
The situation highlights the ongoing battle over abortion access in the United States, with states like Colorado providing a lifeline for individuals facing restrictions in their home states. As the demand for abortion assistance continues to rise, organizations like Cobalt Abortion Fund are playing a crucial role in ensuring that individuals can access the reproductive healthcare they need. The impact of recent court decisions and legislative changes on abortion access remains a contentious issue, with advocates and opponents of abortion rights continuing to fight for their respective positions in the legal and political arenas.
